Assistant Professor in Diagnostics and Bioinformatics | Iowa State University - Military Veterans

Position Title: Assistant Professor in Diagnostics and Bioinformatics Appointment Type: Faculty Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the broad area of diagnostics and bioinformatics related to seed science. We seek candidates whose research will lead to the development of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools that facilitate the detection of seedborne pathogens with particular emphasis on viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Candidates are expected to possess expertise in the development and implementation of computational pipelines that underlie and support advanced diagnostic approaches including those that utilize high throughput sequencing. The position is 65% research, 30% teaching, and 5% service. The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally funded, high-impact research program and actively train graduate students. They will be expected to develop a teaching program that engages students in the broad areas of plant diseases diagnostics and bioinformatics while also participating in service to the university. ISU has extensive shared facilities for biological research, including -omics technologies for genetics, genomics and microbiome studies and high-performance computing. The collaborative environment is enhanced by interdisciplinary and disciplinary graduate majors that promote cross-fertilization within labs. The successful candidate will have an office and laboratory in the Seed Science Building, which houses the Seed Science Center. The Seed Science Center is a globally recognized hub of excellence in seed testing, research, education, systems, and international programs. It is a leader in developing science to inform policy to benefit the world seed trade. The Center is home to the Seed Lab, one of the largest public testing laboratories in the U.S. that has provided accurate and professional seed testing services to growers and the seed industry for more than 130 years. The Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology serves as home to the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic, has access to numerous field research facilities, and administers a vibrant and experiential undergraduate microbiology program. Faculty have strengths in extension, teaching, and the scholarship of teaching and learning, and research across the full spectrum from fundamental to applied. Required Qualifications Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Science or a closely related field. Experience in novel approaches for the diagnosis of seed-borne pathogens. Preferred Qualifications Evidence of strong potential for conducting innovative research with diagnostics and bioinformatics that includes the manipulation of high throughput sequencing data. Evidence of a strong publication record in internationally-recognized journals Evidence of strong potential for research mentoring Evidence of strong potential for collaborative research Evidence of strong potential for securing extramural funding Evidence of strong potential for evidence-based, innovative teaching Department Unit/Website: https://www.ppem.iastate.edu/about Proposed Start Date: August 16, 2025 Number of Months Employed Per Year: 09 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. The application should include: 1. Cover Letter describing the qualifications for the position (2 pages max); 2. Curriculum Vitae; 3. Research Statement detailing experience and future plans (3 pages max); 4. Teaching Statement detailing philosophy, experience, and future plans (2 pages max); 5. Representative publications (max of 3 publications as pdf files); 6. Names and contact information for three references. (References will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate) For guaranteed consideration applications should be received by February 28, 2025. Questions regarding this position should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Steven Whitham ( swhitham@iastate.edu ), or the Chair of the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Steven Harris ( stevenh1@iastate.edu ). Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans Generous 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 Original Posting Date: December 12, 2024 Posting Close Date: Job Requisition Number: R16091