Postdoc Research Associate - Biomedical Sciences

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

23h

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead a research project aimed at developing novel antibody-based therapeutics for malaria, using the tools of structural biology as well as AI-based protein design systems. To this end, they will design and computationally optimize antibody gene constructs, and conduct small- to medium-scale expression trials across multiple heterologous expression systems, such as E. coli, CHO, and P. pastors. They will purify and characterize antibodies using a suite of biochemical and biophysical assays, including cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and biolayer interferometry. In addition, they will maintain clear, organized experimental records, and regularly communicate project progress to the PI and external collaborators. Additional responsibilities include preparing manuscripts and presenting research at conferences, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, contributing to grant and fellowship applications, and staying current with relevant scientific literature and emerging technologies.

Requirements

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Two to five years of experience in the following areas: Protein expression and purification in various systems, including bacteria, mammalian, and insect cells.
• Protein engineering and design of expression constructs.
• Characterization of purified proteins and antibodies using biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Basic working knowledge of Linux operating systems and computational biology tools (Rosetta, RfDiffusion, Alphafold, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Lead a research project aimed at developing novel antibody-based therapeutics for malaria.
• Design and computationally optimize antibody gene constructs.
• Conduct small- to medium-scale expression trials across multiple heterologous expression systems, such as E. coli, CHO, and P. pastors.
• Purify and characterize antibodies using a suite of biochemical and biophysical assays, including cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and biolayer interferometry.
• Maintain clear, organized experimental records.
• Regularly communicate project progress to the PI and external collaborators.
• Prepare manuscripts and presenting research at conferences.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to grant and fellowship applications.
• Stay current with relevant scientific literature and emerging technologies.

Benefits

• Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree