Research Scientist I - Poultry

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

2d

About The Position

The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is seeking an early-career Research Scientist I to coordinate and support animal science research activities. The position oversees animal research studies, coordinates laboratory operations, and ensures research activities follow approved protocols, established procedures, and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate provides technical guidance and training to students and research personnel while supporting the quality, accuracy, and integrity of research outcomes.

This is a regular, fixed-term appointment, with a proposed end date of January 3, 2028. It is a 12-month work-period, full-time position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Poultry Science, or a related field.
• Experience handling and working with poultry in a research or production setting.
• Experience collecting, processing, and managing biological samples.
• Experience working in a traditional laboratory setting and performing routine laboratory procedures and chemical or biological analyses.
• Experience following laboratory and animal research safety procedures, including established protocols, standard operating procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Experience coordinating research activities, including developing schedules, prioritizing tasks, and managing resources to complete studies and laboratory work within established timelines.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee animal research studies, including scheduling and managing the use of animals, facilities, equipment, and other research resources.
• Ensure research activities follow approved experimental protocols, animal welfare standards, standard operating procedures, biosafety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Coordinate data collection and the collection, processing, handling, and storage of biological samples to maintain research quality and integrity.
• Identify and resolve operational, technical, or protocol-related issues that may affect animal welfare, research outcomes, or study timelines.
• Prepare study reports and maintain required research, regulatory, and compliance documentation in accordance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
• Perform and oversee chemical analyses of research samples in the nutrition laboratory, following established methodologies, laboratory procedures, and quality control standards.
• Coordinate laboratory workflows, including scheduling and prioritizing equipment use, managing sample analysis activities, and supporting implementation of research methodologies.
• Train and provide technical guidance to undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, hourly employees, and research staff on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, research protocols, and safety practices.
• Monitor research activities and personnel to ensure regulatory compliance and promote a safe, organized, and compliant research environment.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level