Research Scientist - Virology

Research Scientist – Virology

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

• Bachelor’s degree

• Experience performing molecular biology and virology techniques such as PCR, RT‑qPCR, cloning, Western blotting, reverse genetics, and cell culture.
• Demonstrated experience working with viral pathogens (e.g., influenza, coronaviruses, PRRSV) in research or diagnostic laboratory settings.
• Experience writing scientific documents such as manuscripts, SOPs, technical reports, or grant proposal sections.
• Experience coordinating laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, purchasing, or providing guidance to laboratory personnel.

The College of Veterinary Medicine (Caceres Lab) is seeking a Research Scientist I to support virology and molecular biology research within the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful studies involving influenza viruses, coronaviruses, and PRRSV while working in a collaborative, research driven environment. We are looking for a motivated scientist who enjoys hands‑on laboratory work, coordinating research activities, and supporting the success of a dynamic research group.

• Perform virology and molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning, RT‑qPCR, Western blotting, reverse genetics, cell culture, and virus-based assays.
• Lead and support research activities such as preparing reagents, maintaining cell lines, drafting manuscripts and SOPs, and assisting with grant proposals and project planning.
• Participate in and help coordinate in vivo studies involving avian and mammalian species.
• Manage daily laboratory operations including purchasing supplies, maintaining equipment, tracking inventory, and guiding laboratory personnel.
• Work closely with the principal investigator, research staff, students, and vendors to support laboratory efficiency and research progress.

• This position is fully on‑site and requires work in BSL‑2 and BSL‑3 laboratory environments (BSL‑3 training will be provided).
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and includes lab coats, gloves, and, when appropriate, Tyvek suits and respirators.
• This is a full‑time position within the College of Veterinary Medicine.
• This position involves work with animal species including but not limited to chickens and pigs (training will be provided).

The Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (VMPM) at Iowa State University is dedicated to advancing understanding of infectious diseases, host‑pathogen interactions, and preventative health strategies. Faculty, staff, and students work collaboratively to drive scientific discovery and contribute to innovations that benefit both animal and human health. The department fosters a supportive, interdisciplinary environment where scientific curiosity and professional growth are encouraged.

• Develops, designs and conducts one or more small or moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with plan, reviews progress and evaluates results.
• Formulates research methods and suggests options for improving quality, identifies potential problems, recommends and implements solutions, and collaborates in the development of new techniques.
• Assists with publications and writing or developing grants.
• Trains users in equipment operation and laboratory techniques, explains and demonstrates technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations and outcomes.
• Coordinates data collection and screening and verifies the data.
• Conducts analysis of data, interprets and implements research methodology based on outcome of analysis.

• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional‑level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or…