Postdoc Research Associate

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 one or more NIH-funded post-doc positions in mosquito immunity and mosquito-parasite interactions. The individual(s) is expected to independently lead research efforts to examine the influence of mosquito immune cells on malaria parasite infection. Using cutting-edge methods in mosquito genetics, flow cytometry, RNAi, and single-cell biology, candidates will engage in experiments to better understand mosquito vector competence through identifying components that mediate malaria parasite recognition and immune priming. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in molecular biology, with preferred experience in insect physiology and innate immunity. The candidate(s) is expected to work closely with a diverse team of scientists, as well as additional collaborators, to achieve the desired project aims. The candidate(s) will also have freedom to develop related projects according to his/her/their research interests. Applicants are expected to engage in a growing parasitology community on campus and to assist in the mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. 

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
• Previous experience working with mosquitoes or other insect systems Knowledge and demonstrated experience in insect physiology and innate immunity 
• Previous experience working with extracellular vesicles or desire to learn
• 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.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.680020/ful
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-35940-9

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 benefit