Postdoc Research Associate - Veterinary Pathology

Iowa State University - College of Design; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

Retirement benefits

Wellbeing program

WorkFlex options

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Department of Veterinary Pathology invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance interdisciplinary prion biology and diagnostic methods. The role involves designing experiments, developing antibody-based assays, and analyzing quantitative data with infectious materials under biosafety guidelines.

Collaborative work across veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, and engineering offers exposure to publications and presentations, with a start date

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field completed by start date.
• Experience in protein biochemistry, immunological assays, or related methods.
• Experience with infectious materials under biosafety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments.
• Develop antibody-based and biochemical assays for detection of disease-associated proteins.
• Evaluate protein capture/detection approaches and analyze quantitative data.
• Prepare protocols and reports; contribute to publications and presentations.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Immunoassays

Biosafety proficiency

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology / Microbiology / Biomedical Sciences

Tools

Affinity capture

Magnetic bead methods

Job description

Position Title

Postdoc Research Associate - Veterinary Pathology

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

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.

Employment Eligibility

Candidates 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.

Proposed Start Date

November 2, 2026

Employment Details

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12

Month Work Period Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade: Post Docs

Why 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 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
• WorkFlex options for some positions

WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Iowa 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.

Accommodation Statement

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone].

Workplace Culture

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensiveland‑grantmission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land‑grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.