Position Title:

Research Scientist I - Nanovaccine Institute

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience working in a laboratory setting; including familiarity with laboratory equipment such as PCR thermocyclers, autoclaves, microscopes, imagers, centrifuges, among others.

Demonstrated experience performing molecular biology assays (e.g., qPCR), immunologic assays (e.g., flow cytometry, ELISA, cytokine analyses), and in vitro culturing of eukaryotic cells.

Experience preparing manuscripts, reports, and other documents of a technical and scientific nature.

PhD in Immunology or Microbiology.

Experience in handling and providing husbandry care for gnotobiotic mice.

Experience with training others; ideally with students.

Job Description:

Are you excited by the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that have real-world impact? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment where research is always active and evolving?

If so, the Wannemuehler Lab in the Iowa State University Nanovaccine Institute is accepting applications for a productive and results-oriented Research Scientist I!

What You'll Do:

Develop and design complex research projects.
Assist in writing and developing grants.
Coordinate data development, analysis, reporting, and manuscript writing.
Train undergraduate and entry-level graduate students.
Utilize centrifuges, autoclaves, and biological safety cabinets.
Coordinate the maintenance and husbandry of gnotobiotic mouse colonies.
Collaborate with faculty across campus.

This position will perform research focused on host-microbe interactions as it relates to gastrointestinal health and response to vaccination. The successful candidate will be handling rodents in a laboratory environment.

This is a one-year fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.

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.

About Nanovaccine Institute at Iowa State University:

Our research is a transdisciplinary merger of expertise in immunology, nanotechnology, materials science, microbiology, neuroscience, cancer biology, gerontology, clinical science, and social science. We are developing nanovaccines and nanotherapeutics for respiratory infections, neural disorders, antimicrobial resistance, cancer, aging, and animal health.

Level Guidelines
• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts in the fields of mucosal immunology and vaccinology while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

September 14, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS807

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: 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 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 WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date:

August 12, 2025

Posting Close Date:

August 18, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R17595