Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiology, Antimicrobial Discovery, and Diagnostic Technologies

About the role

The Rued Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to 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).

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments.
• Analyze and interpret data.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Present research findings.
• Independently manage multiple research projects and provide regular updates regarding scientific progress and project outcomes.
• Supervise and mentor graduate students and summer veterinary scholars supported through these research programs.

Requirements

• PhD in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field.

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.

About the department

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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental.
• 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 flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.

Schedule

• Full time.
• Proposed start date: September 14, 2026.