Postdoc Research Associate - Veterinary Pathology

Iowa State University - College of Design; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Veterinary Pathology at Iowa State University seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance interdisciplinary work on prion biology and related protein misfolding. The role includes designing experiments, developing antibody-based assays, and evaluating detection methods across biosafety protocols.

You will analyze quantitative data, contribute to publications, and collaborate with teams in veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, and engineering,

Qualifications

• PhD completed by start date in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology or related field.
• Experience with protein biochemistry, immunoassays, and molecular techniques.
• Background in prion biology or protein misfolding preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments on disease-associated proteins.
• Develop antibody-based and biochemical assays and evaluate detection methods.
• Analyze quantitative data and prepare reports and publications.
• Maintain biosafety compliance and document research records.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Immunological assays

Molecular biology techniques

Biosafety procedures

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or related field

Tools

Protein purification

Affinity capture

Magnetic bead methods

Job description

Position Title:Postdoc Research Associate - Veterinary PathologyAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:The Department of Veterinary Pathology at Iowa State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support interdisciplinary research focused on prion biology, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, and disease-associated protein misfolding. The successful candidate will contribute to the development, optimization, and evaluation of innovative methods for the isolation, recovery, and detection of disease-associated proteins in complex biological samples.This position involves designing and conducting laboratory experiments, developing antibody-based and biochemical assays, evaluating protein capture and detection approaches, and analyzing quantitative research data. The researcher will work with tissues, biological fluids, and other potentially infectious materials while adhering to established biosafety and containment protocols. Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate research records, preparing protocols and reports, contributing to scientific publications and presentations, and collaborating on the evaluation of emerging diagnostic and detection technologies.The position offers the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary research environment alongside scientists in veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, and engineering, while developing independent research skills and contributing to impactful research conducted at both Iowa State University and the National Animal Disease Center.Required Minimum Qualifications:Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field, completed by the anticipated start date.Research experience in protein biochemistry, immunological assays, or related molecular and cellular laboratory methods.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with prion biology, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, or other protein misfolding disorders.Experience developing, optimizing, or validating immunoassays and other protein detection methods.Experience with protein purification, affinity capture, magnetic bead methods, or related biochemical techniques.Experience working with infectious materials under established biosafety procedures.Record of peer-reviewed publications and effective interdisciplinary collaboration.Department/Program & College Description:Veterinary pathology provides a critical link between the basic and clinical sciences. Our faculty fill essential roles in teaching veterinary and graduate students, diagnosis of animal diseases, and scientific research.Department Unit/Website:Veterinary Pathology - Veterinary PathologyCandidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a federal security background check and authorization to access a federal research facility. The selected candidate must maintain the required access authorization and complete all required biosafety, prion-handling, and security training.Application Instructions:To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:Resume/Curriculum VitaeLetter of Application/Cover LetterWhy Choose Iowa State University?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 plansGenerous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plansOnsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)Life insurance and long-term disabilityFlexible Spending AccountsVarious voluntary benefits and discountsEmployee Assistance ProgramWellbeing programIowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Proposed Start Date:November 2, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:October 21, 2026Posting Close Date:November 4, 2026Job Requisition Number:R20067Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail] .General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.