Postdoctoral Research Associate - PFAS Analytical Chemistry

Iowa State University - College of Design; Ames (IA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

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 PFAS quantification by HPLC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, molecular analyses, and steroid hormone quantification.

The successful candidate will design experiments, analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and train graduate students in a collaborative setting within the Department of Animal Science.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Quantify PFAS using HPLC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS.
• Conduct molecular analyses and steroid hormone quantification.
• Design experiments and assist in manuscript preparation.
• Maintain detailed research records and manage lab sample inventories.
• Train and mentor graduate students in a collaborative environment.

Skills

HPLC-MS/MS

LC-MS/MS

PFAS research

analytical chemistry

animal handling

molecular analyses

western blotting

immunofluorescent staining

Python

R

Education

PhD in Reproductive Biology, Toxicology or related field

Tools

Western blotting

Immunofluorescent staining

Job description

## Postdoctoral Research Associate - PFAS Analytical ChemistryApply: Ames, IA: Full time: Posted Today: R20035## 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 ScienceCandidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position. **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 Vitae* Letter of Application/Cover Letter **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. 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 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