Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiology, Antimicrobial Discovery, and Diagnostic Technologies
Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Rued Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to several innovative research projects focused on microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobial discovery, and diagnostic assay development. Research areas include investigating the regulation of streptococcal peptide systems, applying artificial intelligence approaches to design novel antimicrobial peptides targeting Salmonella and Campylobacter, and validating a rapid minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, preparing manuscripts for publication, and presenting research findings. The successful candidate will be expected to independently manage multiple research projects and provide regular updates regarding scientific progress and project outcomes. In addition, the individual will supervise and mentor graduate students and summer veterinary scholars supported through these research programs.
We seek a highly motivated scientist with a strong record of research productivity who is interested in advancing interdisciplinary research at the intersection of microbiology, antimicrobial development, artificial intelligence, and diagnostic technologies.
Required Minimum Qualifications:PhD in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or related
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience performing molecular biology techniques, including DNA isolation, RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, and gene expression analysis.
Experience operating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and/or Raman spectroscopy instrumentation.
Experience working with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) bacterial organisms, including Streptococcus, Salmonella, and/or Campylobacter.
Experience isolating, characterizing, or evaluating small peptides.
Record of authorship on peer-reviewed scientific publications and experience mentoring student researchers.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (VMPM) at Iowa State University is dedicated to advancing animal and public health through excellence in research, teaching, and service. Department faculty conduct innovative research on infectious diseases, host-pathogen interactions, and microbial biology while contributing to the education and training of veterinary and graduate students
Department Unit/Website:Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine - Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vmpm/)
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 employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date:September 14, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:Post Docs
Original Posting Date: August 13, 2026
Posting Close Date:August 20, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R19763
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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 eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu 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 employment@iastate.edu 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.
