Postdoc Researcher: Plant Pathology & Nematode Biology

Position Title:
Postdoc Research Associate - Plant Pathology

Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of

Duties and Responsibilities:



The position will support and collaborate with Professor Tylka while also working independently within Tylka's research program. Responsibilities include conducting growth room and field experiments to investigate hypotheses related to the biology and management of soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Results will be analyzed and prepared for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. As time permits, the role will also involve reanalyzing existing research data and contributing to the development and updating of educational materials related to SCN biology and management.

Required

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or a closely related field

• Advanced knowledge of the biology and life cycles of endoparasitic plant nematodes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with plant-parasitic nematodes, including:
  • Collecting soil samples
  • Extracting nematodes from soil and infected plant roots
  • Conducting greenhouse or growth chamber experiments
• Experience conducting infection assays with Meloidogyne and/or Heterodera species
• Demonstrated experience communicating scientific results through written and/or oral presentations
• Record of scholarly publication, including at least one first-author paper published or in press in a peer-reviewed journal related to plant-parasitic nematodes

Department/Program & College

Description:


The Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology and the Department of Entomology officially merged as of September 1, 2022. The new department is known as the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology (PPEM). The overall mission of the Department is to benefit society through research, teaching, and extension activities that improve pest management and prevent disease. Collectively, the Department consists of about 100 faculty, staff, and students who are engaged in research, teaching, and extension activities that are central to the mission of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The Department possesses state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities in the Advanced Research and Teaching Building and in Science II. In addition, research and extension activities are performed off-campus at the Field Extension Education Laboratory, the Horticulture Station, the Agriculture Engineering/Agronomy Farm, and several Research and Demonstration Farms located around the state. Furthermore, the Department houses the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic, the Iowa Soybean Research Center, and Bug Guide.

Several USDA-ARS scientists are also affiliated with the Department.

Department Unit/Website:
Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

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:
October 1, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
Post Docs

Original Posting Date:
May 21, 2026

Posting Close Date:
May 31, 2026

Job Requisition Number:
R19268

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.#J-18808-Ljbffr