Postdoctoral Research Associate - Poultry Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology

Iowa State University; Logan (UT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Generous leave

Onsite childcare (Ames, IA)

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Iowa State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Poultry Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology to lead and support research on diagnostics, molecular epidemiology, and pathogen surveillance. The role involves designing studies using PCR and sequencing to improve assays and to study transmission in poultry populations.

The position requires a PhD in Poultry Medicine or a closely related field, with experience in diagnostic assay development, bioinformatics, and a strong publication

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Poultry Medicine or closely related field by start date.
• 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 in peer‑reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support research focused on advancing poultry disease diagnostics, molecular epidemiology, and pathogen surveillance.
• Design and conduct research using real-time PCR, sequence typing, and next-generation sequencing to evaluate diagnostic assays.
• Investigate disease transmission patterns, differentiate primary and secondary pathogens, and contribute to understanding disease emergence and spread within poultry populations.
• Provide technical leadership within the laboratory, including training and supervising students and staff, maintaining operations, and ensuring quality and integrity of research activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, analyze and interpret complex data, publish findings, assist with grant development, and present results at regional, national, and international meetings.
• Contribute to innovative research that supports poultry health and the advancement of diagnostic technologies.

Skills

Molecular epidemiology

Phylogenetics

Scientific publication

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Poultry Medicine or related field

Tools

Real-time PCR

Next‑generation sequencing tools

Job description

Position Title and Appointment Type

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Poultry Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology

Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee

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

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
• WorkFlex options for some positions.
• WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.

Proposed Start Date

December 1, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year

12

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

Post Docs

Original Posting Date

November 2, 2026

Posting Close Date

November 9, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R20166

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