Research Scientist II

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about advancing poultry health through cutting‑edge molecular diagnostics and sequencing technologies? The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University is seeking a Research Scientist II to lead innovative diagnostic research, translate new assays into diagnostic practice, and support the mission of the ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISU‑VDL). This role combines hands‑on research, data analysis, and laboratory leadership in a highly collaborative setting. In this role, you will work closely with faculty, diagnostic laboratory professionals, students, and research collaborators across ISU‑VDL and VDPAM. Key responsibilities include: Design, develop, and manage molecular, sequencing‑based, and epidemiological research projects to advance poultry disease diagnostics, including qPCR, sequence typing, and second- and third-generation sequencing technologies. Analyze and interpret molecular and diagnostic data to refine methodologies and guide research and diagnostic implementation. Lead the adoption of newly developed diagnostic assays into ISU‑VDL workflows, monitoring performance and troubleshooting issues to ensure diagnostic quality. Train and mentor students and staff in laboratory techniques, equipment operation (including Oxford Nanopore sequencing), and best laboratory practices. Oversee laboratory organization, sample management, and day‑to‑day research operations within the assigned research space. Position Details: Full‑time position within the College of Veterinary Medicine Work is conducted on‑site in laboratory and research environments Involves participation in professional meetings and occasional travel Includes collaboration on grant proposals and scientific publications About the Department The Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine (VDPAM) department within the College of Veterinary Medicine supports animal health through diagnostics, research, education, and outreach. Working closely with the ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, VDPAM plays a critical role in protecting animal agriculture and advancing disease prevention through innovation, collaboration, and applied science.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

• PhD or Equivalent degree in virology, bacteriology, or molecular diagnostics.
• DVM or equivalent degree.
• Experience in development and validation of diagnostic real‑time PCR and sequence‑typing assays.
• Experience in the use of second‑ and third‑generation sequencing platforms to generate microbial whole‑genome sequencing, metagenomics, and molecular epidemiology data.
• Experience in molecular diagnostic assay development, including real‑time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and sequence-based diagnostic methods.
• Documented record of publications and funded grants

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage molecular, sequencing‑based, and epidemiological research projects to advance poultry disease diagnostics, including qPCR, sequence typing, and second- and third-generation sequencing technologies.
• Analyze and interpret molecular and diagnostic data to refine methodologies and guide research and diagnostic implementation.
• Lead the adoption of newly developed diagnostic assays into ISU‑VDL workflows, monitoring performance and troubleshooting issues to ensure diagnostic quality.
• Train and mentor students and staff in laboratory techniques, equipment operation (including Oxford Nanopore sequencing), and best laboratory practices.
• Oversee laboratory organization, sample management, and day‑to-day research operations within the assigned research space.
• Develops, designs and conducts one or more moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with plan, reviews progress and evaluates results.
• Formulates research methods and suggests options for improving quality, identifies potential problems, recommends and implements solutions, and collaborates in the development of new techniques.
• Assists with publications and writing or developing grants.
• Trains users in equipment operation and laboratory techniques, explains and demonstrates technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations and outcomes.
• Coordinates data collection and screening and verifies the data.
• Conducts analysis of data, interprets and implements research methodology based on outcome of analysis.
• May act as a co-author.

Benefits

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

What This Job Offers

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