About The Role

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Animal Welfare and Food Animal Medicine

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will support VDPAM's missions in teaching, research, and clinical service. Responsibilities include contributing to instruction in animal welfare, animal handling, and clinical medicine; supporting animal welfare research projects; and providing clinical support to food animal veterinary units. The position also includes participation in emergency service and up to 20% of the on-call duty rotation for the Food Animal Veterinary Field Services unit.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree with two or more years of food animal veterinary experience
PhD with an emphasis in animal welfare, awarded by the position start date
Must have an IA license to practice veterinary, USDA category II accreditation & ability to acquire controlled drug licenses
Must have a valid US Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience teaching veterinary students in a food animal clinical setting.
Research experience in animal welfare.

Department/Program & College Description

At VDPAM, we lead the future of food animal and population medicine. As a global center of excellence, we are recognized for our expertise, valued for our collaborative partnerships, and trusted to deliver innovative, science-driven solutions to the most pressing challenges in animal health and food production.

We advance our vision by empowering current and future veterinarians, scientists, and industry stakeholders through exceptional education, groundbreaking research, and world-class clinical and diagnostic services. Every day, we work to elevate animal health, enhance productivity and welfare, strengthen food safety, and support a sustainable global food system.

Department Unit/Website

Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine - Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this 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
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

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.

Proposed Start Date

September 21, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

Post Docs

Original Posting Date

September 1, 2026

Posting Close Date

September 7, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19873

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.