Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Biology

Iowa State University; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University's Department of Mathematics invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position in mathematical biology, with potential extension to a third year based on funding.

The successful candidate will join Professor Claus Kadelka's research program, work on gene regulatory networks, infectious disease modeling, modularity, and related areas, and mentor ISMaRT undergraduates.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mathematics or a closely related discipline by the appointment start date.
• Strong research record in areas aligned with the PI's interests (discrete dynamical systems, network science, computational systems biology, infectious disease modeling).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Experience teaching undergraduate mathematics 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 mathematical biology program and contribute to project work.
• Carry out independent research and publish findings.
• Mentor undergraduate students in Iowa State Math Research Teams (ISMaRT).
• Share responsibility with a 2-1 teaching load.

Skills

Independent research

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Mentoring undergrad students

Education

PhD in Mathematics or closely related discipline

Tools

Python

Job description

Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Biology

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.

Proposed Start Date: August 16, 2027

Time Type: Full time

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.

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].

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].

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. 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.

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.

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 comprehensive land-grant mission 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.

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].