Research Scientist II

Position Title

Research Scientist II

Job Group

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description

Iowa State University is seeking a Research Scientist II to lead animal immunogenetics research in dairy cattle. This position offers an opportunity to advance research addressing important questions in cattle health, immunity, and genetics while working collaboratively with scientists at Iowa State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) National Animal Disease Center (NADC).

The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership across all aspects of research, including experimental design, data collection, logistical planning, data analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of scientific publications. The position requires an individual who is comfortable working across both large-animal research and laboratory environments, including wet- and dry-lab activities.

What You’ll Do

• Lead dairy cattle immunogenetics research from experimental design through data collection, analysis, interpretation, and publication.
• Design and coordinate large-animal experiments, including logistical planning and laboratory activities.
• Conduct and oversee wet- and dry-lab research and analyze complex scientific data.
• Collaborate with Iowa State University and USDA-ARS NADC scientists, serving as a liaison to coordinate research activities, facilities, and resources.
• Communicate research findings through presentations, seminars, reports, scientific meetings, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Develop new research directions and collaborations and contribute to research funding opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with dairy cattle.
• Bioinformatics data analysis experience using UNIX/ Command line tools
• Wet lab experience in a molecular genetics lab
• Experience overseeing diagnostic molecular genetics work
• Experience teaching students bioinformatics using command line tools
• Track record of successfully publishing animal genetics/genomics results
• Previous experience conducting, analyzing, and overseeing animal health genetics experiments

This is a one-year term position .

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:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees 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)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

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.

Appointment Type

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term

September 20, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

PS808

Original Posting Date

August 12, 2026

Posting Close Date

August 19, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19754

Iowa 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.