Postdoc Research Associate - Veterinary Pathology

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

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About The Position

The Department of Veterinary Pathology at Iowa State University seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support interdisciplinary research on prion biology, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, and disease-associated protein misfolding. The researcher will contribute to developing, optimizing, and evaluating methods for isolating, recovering, and detecting disease-associated proteins in complex biological samples.

The position includes designing and conducting laboratory experiments; developing antibody-based and biochemical assays; evaluating protein capture and detection approaches; and analyzing quantitative research data. The researcher will work with tissues, biological fluids, and other potentially infectious materials in accordance with established biosafety and containment protocols. Additional duties include maintaining accurate research records, preparing protocols and reports, contributing to scientific publications and presentations, and collaborating on evaluations of emerging diagnostic and detection technologies.

The role is based in a multidisciplinary research environment working alongside scientists in veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, and engineering. It offers opportunities to develop independent research skills and contribute to research conducted at Iowa State University and the National Animal Disease Center. Employment is contingent upon 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 required 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.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications and effective interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments.
• Develop antibody-based and biochemical assays.
• Evaluate protein capture and detection approaches.
• Analyze quantitative research data.
• Work with tissues, biological fluids, and other potentially infectious materials while following established biosafety and containment protocols.
• Maintain accurate research records and prepare protocols and reports.
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations.
• Collaborate on evaluations of emerging diagnostic and detection technologies.
• Maintain required federal research facility access authorization and complete required biosafety, prion-handling, and security training.

Benefits

• Medical and dental benefits
• 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree