About the role
Position Title:
Postdoc Research Associate - Biomedical SciencesAppointment Type:
Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead a research project to develop novel antibody-based therapeutics for malaria, using tools of structural biology and AI-based protein design systems. To this end, they will design and computationally optimize antibody gene constructs, and conduct small- to medium-scale expression trials across multiple heterologous expression systems, such as E. coli, CHO, and P. pastors. They will purify and characterize antibodies using a suite of biochemical and biophysical assays, including cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and biolayer interferometry. In addition, they will maintain clear, organized experimental records and regularly communicate project progress to the PI and external collaborators. Additional responsibilities include preparing manuscripts and presenting research at conferences, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, contributing to grant and fellowship applications, and staying current with relevant scientific literature and emerging technologies.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Two to five years of experience in the following areas:
- Protein expression and purification in various systems, including bacteria, mammalian, and insect cells.
- Protein engineering and design of expression constructs.
- Characterization of purified proteins and antibodies using biochemical and biophysical assays.
- Basic working knowledge of Linux operating systems and computational biology tools (Rosetta, RfDiffusion, Alphafold, etc.).
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Biomedical Sciences provides superior education in basic health sciences, including anatomy (both human and veterinary), histology, physiology, pharmacology, cell biology and toxicology. Our courses span the undergraduate, graduate and professional DVM curricula.
Department Unit/Website:
Who We Are - Biomedical Sciences
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, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing Program
Proposed Start Date:
July 1, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:
May 14, 2026Posting Close Date:
June 11, 2026Job Requisition Number:
R19219Iowa 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.
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.
Aplyr's read
Iowa State University is a hub for diverse academic and operational roles, attracting professionals dedicated to education, research, and community engagement.
What's promising
- •Strong emphasis on research offers opportunities for academic growth.
- •Diverse roles across departments provide varied career paths.
- •Supportive community fosters collaborative work environment.
What to watch
- •Limited public information about salary competitiveness.
- •Potential budget constraints could affect resources.
- •Rural location may not appeal to everyone.
Why Iowa State University
- •Home to a leading agricultural research program.
- •Significant focus on STEM fields enhances innovation.
- •4-H program offers unique youth engagement opportunities.
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