Postdoctoral Research Associate - Poultry Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology

Ames, IA

Full time

R20166

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 (https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/)

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 [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub (https://www.myworkday.com/isu/d/task/2998$46522.htmld?reloadToken=892f884ef9c2fa7e5e6257ecf4e9e942f7aa1a12df75918c6ce41bc78e123167) .

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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 (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-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.

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. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. 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 [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.