Postdoctoral Research Associate – Soil and Plant Microbiomes

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and manage research on soil and plant root microbiomes using advanced molecular techniques
• Coordinate field and laboratory sample collection efforts
• Supervise and train research assistants to ensure high-quality data and sample integrity
• Perform bioinformatic and statistical analyses of microbiome, soil, and plant datasets using R or Python
• Prepare data summaries, reports, manuscripts, and grant materials
• Present research findings to funding agencies and scientific audiences

Requirements

• Ph.D. in microbiology or a related field
• Proficiency in molecular techniques including Nanopore and Illumina sequencing
• Experience with microbial cultivation
• Ability to use R or Python for bioinformatic and statistical analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction and library preparation
• Experience cultivating microbes under aerobic and hypoxic conditions
• Proficiency in bioinformatic pipelines for amplicon sequencing-based microbiome analysis
• Experience with microbial whole genome assembly and annotation

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time
• Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts and wellbeing programs

About the Company

Iowa State University is a land-grant institution dedicated to education, research, extension, and outreach. The Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology (PPEM) works to benefit society through research and teaching that improves pest management and prevents disease.