Postdoctoral Research Associate in Animal Reproductive Biology

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

6d

About The Position

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct independent and collaborative research in male reproductive biology with an emphasis on livestock species (swine and/or cattle). Responsibilities include designing, executing, and analyzing experiments related to sperm biology, including sperm phenotyping, functional assays, and multi‑omics approaches. The position involves operating and analyzing data from image‑based flow cytometry (IBFC) and/or spectral flow cytometry platforms, as well as performing and assisting with flow cytometry sorting experiments. The postdoc will contribute to the development and application of deep learning and computational image analysis pipelines for sperm phenotype classification, conduct experiments involving nano‑purification of sperm, and prepare biological samples for downstream molecular analyses. Additional duties include interpreting and synthesizing experimental results for peer-reviewed publications, contributing to grant reporting and manuscript preparation, and presenting research findings at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will also mentor graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and experimental design and will work closely with the Principal Investigator and research team to advance ongoing funded projects and support the development of new research directions within the laboratory.

Requirements

• PhD in Animal Science, Animal Physiology, Interdepartmental Genetics & Genomics
• 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 working with sperm biology techniques, including phenotyping, functional assays, and molecular or multi‑omics analyses
• Proficiency with flow cytometry platforms (image-based and/or spectral), including data analysis and sorting applications
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and experience mentoring students

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in male reproductive biology with an emphasis on livestock species (swine and/or cattle).
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments related to sperm biology, including sperm phenotyping, functional assays, and multi‑omics approaches.
• Operate and analyze data from image‑based flow cytometry (IBFC) and/or spectral flow cytometry platforms, as well as performing and assisting with flow cytometry sorting experiments.
• Contribute to the development and application of deep learning and computational image analysis pipelines for sperm phenotype classification.
• Conduct experiments involving nano‑purification of sperm.
• Prepare biological samples for downstream molecular analyses.
• Interpret and synthesize experimental results for peer-reviewed publications.
• Contribute to grant reporting and manuscript preparation.
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and experimental design.
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator and research team to advance ongoing funded projects and support the development of new research directions within the laboratory.

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
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees