Iowa State

Postdoc Research Associate - Plant Pathology

Ames, IA Full time

Position Title:

Postdoc Research Associate - Plant Pathology

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will focus on designing CRISPR editing gene strategies, infecting corn and soybean plants with viruses, recording data, documenting results, writing reports and manuscripts, assisting with grant writing, and supervising one undergraduate student

Required Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in Plant Pathology or Plant Biology

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with plant molecular biology, virus-induced gene editing in model and crop plant systems

Experience working with engineering plant viruses

Experience with viruses infecting soybeans and corn

Supervising or working directly with undergraduate students

Department/Program & College Description:

Our research is centered on understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie viral and fungal pathogenicity, as well as plant defense against these organisms. Our research projects involve studies of the important row crop plants, soybean and corn, and we also utilize model host plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana. We use functional genomics approaches to study the molecular changes that occur in susceptible and resistant genotypes of crop and model plant species. The plant and pathogen genes identified in these studies are providing insight into ways in which successful pathogens interact with and manipulate their hosts, as well as how plants deploy defense mechanisms.

Department Unit/Website:

https://www.ppem.iastate.edu/

Proposed Start Date:

March 16, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

March 15, 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

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:

January 13, 2026

Posting Close Date:

January 20, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18452