Research Scientist II

Position Title:

Research Scientist II

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description:

Are you a scientist passionate about infectious disease research and genomic discovery? The NGS Lab is looking for a motivated and innovative Research Scientist II to help advance our work on Escherichia coli and other emerging and reemerging pathogens. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to research that directly impacts animal health, disease prevention, and public health outcomes.

What you'll do:

* Design and lead molecular, genetic, and immunological experiments to study bacterial virulence and host pathogen interactions

* Conduct animal studies to evaluate gene function, disease mechanisms, and vaccine safety and efficacy

* Analyze whole genome sequencing and next generation sequencing data to understand pathogen evolution, transmission, and outbreak dynamics

* Collaborate with faculty, diagnosticians, and multidisciplinary research teams to detect and characterize emerging pathogens

* Contribute to scientific publications, grant proposals, and presentations while mentoring students and research staff

Preferred Qualifications:

* Degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field

* Experience working with pathogenic bacteria, including bacterial culture, genetic manipulation such as gene deletion, cloning, and expression, and vaccine development

* Hands-on experience with next generation sequencing workflows, including genomic, transcriptomic, or metagenomic library preparation and use of platforms such as Illumina or Nanopore

* Experience performing bioinformatics analysis of sequencing datasets, including genome assembly, annotation, phylogenetics, or use of computational tools such as R, Python, and Linux or Unix

* Experience conducting infectious disease animal studies, including virulence assessment, vaccine evaluation, or virology or virus discovery work

Additional Details:

* Appointment Type:
Full-time, 2-year term position with potential for extension based on funding and performance

* Work Environment:
Primarily laboratory-based with a combination of bench research and bioinformatics work

* Collaboration:

Regular interaction with researchers, diagnosticians, and trainees across the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and university

About the Department:

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine is a nationally recognized leader in animal health diagnostics and disease surveillance. The Li Lab supports this mission by combining molecular biology, genomics, and epidemiology to better understand infectious diseases and strengthen prevention, detection, and response strategies that protect both animal and public health.

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 or call  or Toll Free:

Why Choose ISU?

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

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

August 2, 2028

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS808

Original Posting Date:

June 24, 2026

Posting Close Date:

July 7, 2026

Job

Requisition Number:

R19476

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.