Job Description
Postdoctoral Research Associate Plant Virology & Insect Vectors Ames, IA Full Time R18761 Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant Virology & Insect Vectors
Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Olmedo-Velarde Lab at Iowa State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join integrated research projects focused on plant and insect viruses within vector-borne plant pathosystems. The lab specializes in hemipteran insect vectors impacting corn and soybean production systems, using a multidisciplinary approach that combines plant pathology, entomology, virology, molecular biology, and translational research to develop innovative management strategies for major field crops.
The successful candidate will contribute to fundamental, applied, and translational research aimed at advancing our understanding of virus-vector-plant interactions, virus discovery, diagnostics innovation, and novel control strategies in agroecosystems.
Projects in the lab include:
- Molecular interactions between plant viruses and hemipteran vectors
- Virome characterization of insect vectors
- Virus transmission biology
- Development of molecular diagnostics
- RNAi-based and protein-based control strategies (experience a plus)
- Vector biology in corn and soybean systems.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications: - Ph.D. obtained within the last 5 years
- Strong background in molecular biology techniques
- Experience working with plant pathogens and/or hemipteran insect systems
- Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Experience with RNA interference (RNAi) approaches
- Experience with insect rearing and vector transmission assays
- Experience with high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics
- Grant writing experience
- Experience mentoring students
Department/Program & College Description: The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is one of the world's leading institutions of agriculture, with more than 160 years of leadership in science, education, and extension. The college educates future leaders, conducts mission-oriented research, and shares new knowledge for the betterment of Iowa and the world. The college is one of eight colleges at Iowa State University, which is one of the most influential land grant universities in the nation.
Department Unit/Website: About CALS | College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Proposed Start Date: August 3, 2026
Proposed End Date or Length of Term: August 3, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
Time Type: Full time
Application Instructions: 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.
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@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Postdocs 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)
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing Program
Original Posting Date: March 5, 2026
Posting Close Date: March 12, 2026
Job Requisition Number: R18761
To apply, visit jeid-dc2147e87c326a4daf9799f58e49759b
Job Tags
Full time, Traineeship, Flexible hours