Postdoc Research Associate | Iowa State University - Military Veterans

Position Title: Postdoc Research Associate Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Smith Lab in the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology at Iowa State University (Ames, Iowa, USA) invites applications for a NIH-funded post-doc position in mosquito genetics. The individual is expected to independently lead ongoing research efforts to develop genetic tools to study mosquito immune cell populations and their contributions to innate immune function. This includes the development of a binary Q system for the over-expression or silencing of genes of interest in mosquito immune cell subtypes and other mosquito tissues to better understand aspects of mosquito vector competence. The candidate will also be involved in experimentation to validate any phenotypes on gene expression and pathogen infection outcomes. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in molecular cloning and insect molecular biology, with preferred previous experience in insect transgenesis. The candidate is expected to work closely with a diverse team of scientists, as well as additional collaborators, to achieve the desired project aims. The candidate will also have freedom to develop related projects according to his/her/their research interests. Required Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D in molecular biology, genetics, entomology or a closely related biological discipline. Individuals should be self-motivated displaying a track record of previous publication. Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated experience in molecular biology techniques involved in the isolation of nucleic acids and methods to examine gene expression Demonstrated experience in molecular cloning and insect transgenesis involving transposons or genome editing technologies Experience with mosquitoes or other insect systems Interest in learning or previous experience with malaria parasites infection systems in mosquitoes Have excellent communication (verbal and written English) and organizational skills Department Unit/Website: The Smith Lab ( https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/smithr/ ) offers a highly collaborative research environment focused on the study of mosquito-borne disease, with the foundation of this project building from several recent publications/preprints from the laboratory: https://www.pnas.org/content/116/28/14119.short https://elifesciences.org/articles/66192 https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.22.619690v1 Proposed Start Date: April 1, 2025 Proposed End Date or Length of Term: April 1, 2026 Number of Months Employed Per Year: 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: February 6, 2025 Posting Close Date: February 27, 2025 Job Requisition Number: R16405