Postdoctoral Research Associate – Plant Virology & Insect Vectors

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

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About The Position

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Olmedo‑Velarde Lab at Iowa State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join integrated research projects focused on plant and insect viruses within vector‑borne plant pathosystems. The lab specializes in hemipteran insect vectors impacting corn and soybean production systems, using a multidisciplinary approach that combines plant pathology, entomology, virology, molecular biology, and translational research to develop innovative management strategies for major field crops. The successful candidate will contribute to fundamental, applied, and translational research aimed at advancing our understanding of virus–vector–plant interactions, virus discovery, diagnostics innovation, and novel control strategies in agroecosystems. Projects in the lab include: Molecular interactions between plant viruses and hemipteran vectors Virome characterization of insect vectors Virus transmission biology Development of molecular diagnostics RNAi-based and protein-based control strategies (experience a plus) Vector biology in corn and soybean systems.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. obtained within the last 5 years
• Strong background in molecular biology techniques
• Experience working with plant pathogens and/or hemipteran insect systems
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Experience with RNA interference (RNAi) approaches
• Experience with insect rearing and vector transmission assays
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics
• Grant writing experience
• Experience mentoring students

Responsibilities

• Contribute to fundamental, applied, and translational research aimed at advancing our understanding of virus–vector–plant interactions
• Virus discovery
• Diagnostics innovation
• Novel control strategies in agroecosystems
• Molecular interactions between plant viruses and hemipteran vectors
• Virome characterization of insect vectors
• Virus transmission biology
• Development of molecular diagnostics
• RNAi-based and protein-based control strategies (experience a plus)
• Vector biology in corn and soybean systems

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
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree