Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Biology

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position in mathematical biology. The postdoctoral researcher will join Professor Claus Kadelka's research program and should have defined interests in mathematical biology.

The role includes a 2-1 teaching load and mentoring ISMaRT undergraduates. Preferred candidates will have a PhD in Mathematics by the start date and a strong record in related fields, with experience in

Qualifications

• PhD in Mathematics or closely related discipline by the appointment start date.
• Strong research record in areas aligned with mathematical biology (discrete dynamical systems, network science, computational systems biology, infectious disease modeling, or related fields).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Experience teaching undergraduate mathematics courses and mentoring students in research.
• Experience publishing scholarly research and communicating findings to scientific audiences.
• Experience programming in Python.

Responsibilities

• Join Professor Claus Kadelka's research program in mathematical biology.
• Define research directions based on expertise and interests, pursuing questions in proposed areas.
• Teach a 2-1 teaching load and mentor undergraduate students in research through ISMaRT.

Skills

Independent research

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Mentoring students

Teaching undergraduate mathematics

Communication of research findings

Education

PhD in Mathematics or closely related discipline

Tools

Python

Job description

Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Biology

Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position, with the possibility of extension to a third year contingent upon available funding. The postdoctoral researcher will join Professor Claus Kadelka's research program in mathematical biology. Candidates should have defined research interests in mathematical biology. Research areas include systems biology, gene regulatory networks, infectious disease modeling, and behavioral epidemiology. Current projects examine how the structure and dynamics of biological regulatory networks shape biological function, including the NSF-funded projects Canalization and Other Design Principles of Gene Regulatory Network Models and A Mathematical Theory for the Biological Concept of Modularity . Additional projects focus on developing mathematical and computational models that account for heterogeneity in human behavior, contact patterns, and other individual-level characteristics and studying their effects on population-level disease dynamics.

The specific research direction will be determined based on the successful candidate's expertise and interests, with flexibility to pursue new questions within these areas.

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

Required Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in Mathematics or a closely related discipline by the appointment start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University is a vibrant academic community with strengths in pure and applied mathematics, offering outstanding opportunities in research, teaching, and student mentorship.

Faculty maintain active, externally funded research programs across a broad range of mathematical disciplines, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports innovation, interdisciplinary engagement, and student success.

The department is committed to excellence in scholarship and education and provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research

Department Unit/Website: Department of Mathematics

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

Iowa 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.

Proposed Start Date:

August 16, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

Post Docs

Original Posting Date:

November 6, 2026

Posting Close Date:

December 15, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R20202

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. 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.