Postdoctoral Research Associate - Poultry Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Ames, IA, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Poultry Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology. The role leads projects applying real-time PCR, sequence typing, and next-generation sequencing to assess diagnostics and disease spread in poultry populations.

The successful candidate will supervise lab personnel, analyze complex data, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to grant

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed in poultry medicine or closely related field by start date.
• Experience developing and validating molecular diagnostic assays.
• Clinical diagnostic experience in poultry or veterinary labs.
• Expertise in virology, microbiology, phylogenetics, and molecular epidemiology.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support research on poultry disease diagnostics and epidemiology.
• Design and conduct studies using PCR, sequencing, and NGS to improve diagnostics.
• Train and supervise students and staff; maintain lab operations and quality.
• Publish findings, assist with grants, and present at meetings.

Skills

Molecular diagnostics

Molecular epidemiology

Bioinformatics analyses

Research leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Poultry Medicine or related field

Tools

Real-time PCR

Sequence typing

Next-generation sequencing

Bioinformatics

Job description

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Poultry Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead and support research focused on advancing poultry disease diagnostics, molecular epidemiology, and pathogen surveillance. This position is responsible for designing and conducting research projects utilizing real-time PCR, sequence typing, and next-generation sequencing technologies to evaluate, develop, and improve diagnostic assays for poultry diseases. The individual will investigate disease transmission patterns, differentiate primary and secondary pathogens, and contribute to the understanding of disease emergence and spread within poultry populations.The position will also provide technical leadership within the laboratory, including training and supervising students and staff, maintaining laboratory operations, and ensuring the quality and integrity of research activities. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, analyze and interpret complex data, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, assist with grant development, and present research outcomes at regional, national, and international scientific meetings.This position offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative research that supports poultry health, disease prevention, and the advancement of diagnostic technologies for the poultry industry.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Completed Ph.D. in Poultry Medicine or a closely related field with a focus on poultry infectious diseases by the start date of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing and validating molecular diagnostic assays.
• Clinical diagnostic experience in poultry or veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
• Expertise in virology, microbiology, phylogenetics, sequence typing, and molecular epidemiology.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analyses.
• Strong publication record demonstrated through peer-reviewed scientific publications and presentations.

Department/Program & College Description:

At VDPAM, we lead the future of food animal and population medicine. As a global center of excellence, we are recognized for our expertise, valued for our collaborative partnerships, and trusted to deliver innovative, science-driven solutions to the most pressing challenges in animal health and food production.We advance our vision by empowering current and future veterinarians, scientists, and industry stakeholders through exceptional education, groundbreaking research, and world-class clinical and diagnostic services. Every day, we work to elevate animal health, enhance productivity and welfare, strengthen food safety, and support a sustainable global food system.

Department Unit/Website:

Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine - Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine

Employment Details:

• Proposed Start Date: December 1, 2026
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
• Time Type: Full time
• Pay Grade: Post Docs
• Original Posting Date: November 2, 2026
• Posting Close Date: November 9, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20166

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.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well:
• 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.