Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant Pathology and Virology

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant Pathology and Virology

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to research focused on the discovery and characterization of a new maize virus. Responsibilities include conducting molecular virology experiments, performing and analyzing ribosome profiling studies, investigating virus-host interactions, and supporting the development of research strategies. The position will involve collecting and interpreting experimental data, collaborating with faculty, staff, and students, maintaining laboratory records, and contributing to manuscripts, presentations, and other scholarly publications. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative research environment dedicated to advancing knowledge of plant virus biology and crop health.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Pathology or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting research in plant virology, molecular plant pathology, or host-pathogen interactions.
• Knowledge of maize biology, plant-virus interactions, or crop disease management is preferred.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing scientific manuscripts, reports, and presentations.

Department/Program & College Description

Iowa State University's Department of Agronomy conducts internationally recognized research and education programs in crop science, soil science, plant breeding, and sustainable agricultural systems, addressing challenges in food production, environmental quality, and natural resource management.

Department Unit/Website

• Agronomy - Graduate College
• 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

October 26, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

Post Docs

Original Posting Date

September 4, 2026

Posting Close Date

September 15, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19899

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.