Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Biology

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

21h

About The Position

The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University is hiring a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate in mathematical biology, with a possible extension to a third year depending on available funding. The researcher will join Professor Claus Kadelka’s research program. Candidates should have defined research interests in mathematical biology, with potential areas including systems biology, gene regulatory networks, infectious disease modeling, and behavioral epidemiology.

Research may investigate how the structure and dynamics of biological regulatory networks shape biological function, including work connected to the NSF-funded projects Canalization and Other Design Principles of Gene Regulatory Network Models and A Mathematical Theory for the Biological Concept of Modularity. Other projects develop mathematical and computational models that account for heterogeneity in human behavior, contact patterns, and individual characteristics, and study their effects on population-level disease dynamics. The specific research direction will reflect the candidate’s expertise and interests, with flexibility to pursue new questions in these areas.

The position includes a 2-1 teaching load and mentoring undergraduate students in research through Iowa State Math Research Teams (ISMaRT).

Requirements

• PhD in Mathematics or a closely related discipline by the appointment start date.
• Defined research interests in mathematical biology.

Nice To Haves

• Strong research record in areas aligned with Professor Claus Kadelka’s research interests, including discrete dynamical systems, network science, computational systems biology, infectious disease modeling, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Experience teaching undergraduate mathematics courses and mentoring students in research.
• Experience publishing scholarly research and communicating research findings to scientific audiences.
• Experience programming in Python.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in mathematical biology in collaboration with Professor Claus Kadelka’s research program.
• Contribute to research on biological regulatory networks, systems biology, infectious disease modeling, behavioral epidemiology, or related areas.
• Develop mathematical and computational models and study their implications for biological function or population-level disease dynamics.
• Teach undergraduate mathematics courses as part of a 2-1 teaching load.
• Mentor undergraduate students in research through Iowa State Math Research Teams (ISMaRT).

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

What This Job Offers

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