Postdoctoral Research Associate - PFAS Analytical Chemistry

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Vacation time

Onsite childcare (Ames, IA)

Wellbeing program

Job summary

Iowa State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in PFAS Analytical Chemistry. The role focuses on understanding ovarian responses to PFAS exposure, with duties spanning animal exposure studies, PFAS quantification, molecular analyses, and data interpretation.

The successful candidate will design experiments, quantify hormones, and contribute to manuscript preparation while mentoring graduate students in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant field as stated.

Responsibilities

• Quantify PFAS using HPLC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

PFAS research

Animal handling

Western blotting

Python/R

Statistical analysis

Education

PhD in Reproductive Biology, Toxicology or related field

Tools

HPLC-MS/MS

LC-MS/MS

Chemical extraction techniques

Job description

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate - PFAS Analytical Chemistry

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research program focused on understanding the molecular and phenotypic ovarian responses to PFAS exposure. The successful candidate will conduct animal exposure studies, perform molecular and analytical laboratory techniques, and support the collection, analysis, and interpretation of research data. Responsibilities include PFAS quantification using HPLC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, molecular analyses, steroid hormone quantification, experimental design, and manuscript preparation.

The position also includes maintaining detailed research records, managing laboratory sample inventories, and training and mentoring graduate students in a collaborative research environment.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Reproductive Biology, Toxicology or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in analytical chemistry, including HPLC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and chemical extraction techniques.
• Experience in PFAS research and/or toxicology.
• Experience with animal handling, exposure studies, and biological data collection.
• Experience with molecular laboratory analyses, including western blotting and immunofluorescent staining.
• Experience with statistical analysis and coding in Python or R.

Department/Program & College Description

Our commitment is to educate and prepare students for productive and gratifying careers in animal production, veterinary medicine and the diverse areas of animal business and industry. Instruction, research and outreach programs are led by 46 faculty , many of whom are internationally recognized, with expertise in breeding and genetics, genomics, nutrition, physiology, meat science and meat processing, animal well-being and management. These programs and disciplinary focus areas include beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, poultry, swine, sheep, companion animals, laboratory animals and zoo animals.

Department Unit/Website

Department of Animal Science

Proposed Start Date

November 16, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

Post Docs

Original Posting Date

October 6, 2026

Posting Close Date

November 6, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R20035

Iowa State University 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. 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] .

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.

General ISU Compensation Information

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.