Iowa State

Postdoc Research Associate - Mathematical Biology

Ames, IA Full time

Position Title:

Postdoc Research Associate - Mathematical Biology

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position, with the possibility of extension to a third year. The expected start date is August 16, 2026, and the end date is May 31, 2028. 

The opening is in mathematical biology, aligning with the research interests of Prof. Claus Kadelka, which include work on two NSF-funded projects on "Canalization and Other Design Principles of Gene Regulatory Network Models" (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2451973) and "A mathematical theory for the biological concept of modularity” (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2424632).

The position has a 2-1 teaching load and a requirement to be involved with mentoring undergraduate students in research through the Iowa State Math Research Teams (ISMaRT, https://sites.google.com/view/ismart-iastate).

Required Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in Mathematics or a closely related discipline obtained by the appointment date.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Research interests in mathematical biology

  • Strong research record in areas related to mathematical modeling of biological systems, such as Boolean networks, gene regulatory networks, dynamical systems, network theory, or related topics

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment

  • Experience teaching undergraduate mathematics courses and mentoring students in research

  • Experience in writing and publishing research articles, including for general scientific audiences

  • Strong coding skills, preferably in Python

  • Familiarity with computational tools for modeling biological systems.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Mathematics offers a wide range of research opportunities and events for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Our annual ISMaRT program brings together research teams that include faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. One student’s research used machine learning to solve physics problems, while another’s helped create a data science curriculum for future mathematics teachers. Opportunities such as these await you in the Department of Mathematics.

Department Unit/Website:

https://math.iastate.edu/

Proposed Start Date:

August 16, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

May 31, 2028

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

3) Research Statement

4) Teaching Statement.

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:

December 4, 2025

Posting Close Date:

January 9, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18218