Job Description

R17936

Position Title:

Postdoc Research Associate – Biomedical Sciences

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead structural studies of ribosomes and translation factors in Toxoplasma gondii and related parasites.
• Design, perform, and analyze Cryo-EM experiments from sample prep through data processing.
• Collaborate on biochemical, molecular, and cellular assays to support project goals.
• Integrate data from complementary approaches such as ribosome profiling or RNA-seq.
• Maintain clear records of experiments and results.
• Write manuscripts for publication and present research at conferences.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab.
• Contribute to grant and fellowship applications.
• Stay up to date with relevant scientific literature and emerging technologies.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Structural Biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with Cryo-EM (sample preparation, data collection, processing, and model building).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse research team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ribosome profiling or related techniques.
• Experience in protein synthesis mechanisms and/or parasitology.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Department/Program & College Description:

The research activities of BMS align strongly with the strategic mission of the college – to develop the next generation of veterinarians and scientists, and to discover solutions to important animal and human health questions. Our faculty take a “One Health” approach that recognizes the interconnection between human and animal health, and we advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration to foster basic, translational, clinical, and applied research. Traditional strengths of the department include Neuroscience and Infectious Disease research, with an emphasis on parasitology, but recent faculty hires in cell biology and structural biology are expanding our research portfolio. BMS faculty have a proud record of sustained success – since 2014, nearly 25% of all NIH funding to ISU has been awarded to BMS faculty.

Department Unit/Website: https://vetmed.iastate.edu/bms/

This position is open to some candidates eligible for employment-based immigration sponsorship. ISU is unable to provide H-1B immigration sponsorship for candidates who did not hold H-1B status as of September 20, 2025.

Proposed Start Date:

January 5, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

January 15, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Application Instructions:

This position will be open until filled. For full consideration, please submit your application by November 11, 2025.

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Postdocs 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, sick time, and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing Program

Original Posting Date:

October 10, 2025

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:

R17936