Iowa State

Postdoc Research Associate - Biomedical Sciences

Ames, IA Full time

Position Title:

Postdoc Research Associate - Biomedical Sciences

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead a research project aimed at developing novel antibody-based therapeutics for malaria, using the tools of structural biology as well as 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

Proposed Start Date:

March 23, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

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:

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

Original Posting Date:

February 20, 2026

Posting Close Date:

March 7, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18691