Postdoctoral Research Associate - HIV Vaccine Immunogen Design

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate - HIV Vaccine Immunogen Design

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of

Duties and Responsibilities:

This postdoctoral position focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of novel antigens to advance HIV-1 vaccine research. The successful candidate will conduct structure-based immunogen design, molecular cloning, and production of immunogens, and will evaluate immune responses using a range of biochemical and immunological assays. The role includes working in BSL-2 laboratory environments, performing mammalian cell culture, and supporting small animal studies (e.g., mice and rabbits).

In addition, the position involves mentoring junior laboratory members, contributing to manuscript preparation, and assisting with the development of grant proposals.

Required

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in molecular biology, virology, immunology, microbiology, or related fields. Experience in gene cloning and molecular biology, viral vaccine R&D.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience with recombinant protein expression in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems and protein purification

* Experience with immunoassays and virus neutralization assays

* Experience with HIV-1 vaccine research

* Experience with structural analysis of proteins or protein complexes (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM)

* Experience with hybridoma generation and monoclonal antibody (mAb) characterization, and laboratory animal handling

Department/Program & College

Description:

The Department of Biomedical Sciences provides superior education in basic health sciences, including anatomy (both human and veterinary), histology, physiology, pharmacology, cell biology and toxicology. Our courses span the undergraduate, graduate and professional DVM curricula.

Department Unit/Website:

Biomedical Sciences - Biomedical Sciences

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 Work Flex options for some positions. Work Flex 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, or call  or Toll Free:

Proposed

Start Date:

September 1, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

Post Docs

Original Posting Date:

June 4, 2026

Posting Close Date:

June 22, 2026

Job

Requisition Number:

R19343

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. , email eooffice.

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.