Postdoc Research Associate - Poultry Disease Diagnostics

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

1d

About The Position

This position supports poultry health research through the design, implementation, and evaluation of advanced diagnostic and epidemiological studies. Responsibilities include leading laboratory‑based research projects, supervising personnel, and contributing to scholarly dissemination and grant development efforts. Design and conduct real‑time PCR, sequence typing, and next-generation sequencing (second‑ and third‑generation) research projects to evaluate existing and develop new poultry disease diagnostic assays Lead poultry disease epidemiology research to differentiate primary versus secondary pathogens and to identify sources of infection and transmission patterns Develop and refine research methodologies; identify potential issues, recommend and implement solutions, and collaborate in the development of new diagnostic and laboratory techniques Review research progress and evaluate experimental results to ensure data quality and project objectives are met Train students and staff in laboratory techniques and equipment operation, including technology capabilities, limitations, and expected outcomes Supervise students and staff and maintain organization, integrity, and management of laboratory spaces and research samples Participate in and present research findings at local, regional, and national professional meetings related to poultry health and diagnostics Assist with the preparation of scientific publications, grant proposals, and related research documentation.

Requirements

• PhD in poultry medicine or equivalent degrees with a focus on Poultry Infectious Diseases.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
• Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in molecular diagnostics development and validation
• Clinical diagnostic experience involving viral and microbiological pathogens
• Expertise in phylogenetic analysis and sequence typing
• Documented scholarly productivity through peer‑reviewed publications

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct real‑time PCR, sequence typing, and next-generation sequencing (second‑ and third‑generation) research projects to evaluate existing and develop new poultry disease diagnostic assays
• Lead poultry disease epidemiology research to differentiate primary versus secondary pathogens and to identify sources of infection and transmission patterns
• Develop and refine research methodologies; identify potential issues, recommend and implement solutions, and collaborate in the development of new diagnostic and laboratory techniques
• Review research progress and evaluate experimental results to ensure data quality and project objectives are met
• Train students and staff in laboratory techniques and equipment operation, including technology capabilities, limitations, and expected outcomes
• Supervise students and staff and maintain organization, integrity, and management of laboratory spaces and research samples
• Participate in and present research findings at local, regional, and national professional meetings related to poultry health and diagnostics
• Assist with the preparation of scientific publications, grant proposals, and related research documentation.

Benefits

• 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
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees