Postdoc Research Associate - Veterinary Pathology

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

2d

About The Position

The Department of Veterinary Pathology at Iowa State University seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support interdisciplinary research on prion biology, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, and disease-associated protein misfolding. The researcher will help develop, optimize, and evaluate methods for isolating, recovering, and detecting disease-associated proteins in complex biological samples. The role includes designing and conducting laboratory experiments, developing antibody-based and biochemical assays, evaluating protein capture and detection approaches, and analyzing quantitative research data. Work involves tissues, biological fluids, and other potentially infectious materials, following established biosafety and containment protocols.

The researcher will maintain accurate research records, prepare protocols and reports, contribute to scientific publications and presentations, and collaborate in evaluating emerging diagnostic and detection technologies. The position is based in a multidisciplinary research environment involving scientists in veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, and engineering, with opportunities to develop independent research skills and contribute to research at Iowa State University and the National Animal Disease Center. Employment requires successful completion of a federal security background check and authorization to access a federal research facility. The selected candidate must maintain the required access authorization and complete biosafety, prion-handling, and security training. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field, completed by the anticipated start date.
• Research experience in protein biochemistry, immunological assays, or related molecular and cellular laboratory methods.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
• Successful completion of a federal security background check and authorization to access a federal research facility.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with prion biology, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, or other protein misfolding disorders.
• Experience developing, optimizing, or validating immunoassays and other protein detection methods.
• Experience with protein purification, affinity capture, magnetic bead methods, or related biochemical techniques.
• Experience working with infectious materials under established biosafety procedures.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and effective interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments related to prion biology, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, and disease-associated protein misfolding.
• Develop, optimize, and evaluate methods for isolation, recovery, and detection of disease-associated proteins in complex biological samples.
• Develop antibody-based and biochemical assays and evaluate protein capture and detection approaches.
• Analyze quantitative research data.
• Work with tissues, biological fluids, and other potentially infectious materials while following biosafety and containment protocols.
• Maintain accurate research records and prepare protocols and reports.
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations.
• Collaborate on the evaluation of emerging diagnostic and detection technologies.
• Complete required biosafety, prion-handling, and security training and maintain required federal facility access authorization.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans.
• Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.
• WorkFlex options for some positions, offering flexibility on when, where, and how work is performed.

What This Job Offers

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