Research Scientist II

Ames, IA

Full time

R19754

Position Title:Research Scientist II

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description:

Iowa State University is seeking a Research Scientist II to lead animal immunogenetics research in dairy cattle. This position offers an opportunity to advance research addressing important questions in cattle health, immunity, and genetics while working collaboratively with scientists at Iowa State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) National Animal Disease Center (NADC).

The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership across all aspects of research, including experimental design, data collection, logistical planning, data analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of scientific publications. The position requires an individual who is comfortable working across both large-animal research and laboratory environments, including wet- and dry-lab activities.

What You’ll Do

• Lead dairy cattle immunogenetics research from experimental design through data collection, analysis, interpretation, and publication.

• Design and coordinate large-animal experiments, including logistical planning and laboratory activities.

• Conduct and oversee wet- and dry-lab research and analyze complex scientific data.

• Collaborate with Iowa State University and USDA-ARS NADC scientists, serving as a liaison to coordinate research activities, facilities, and resources.

• Communicate research findings through presentations, seminars, reports, scientific meetings, and peer-reviewed publications.

• Develop new research directions and collaborations and contribute to research funding opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with dairy cattle.

• Bioinformatics data analysis experience using UNIX/ Command line tools

• Wet lab experience in a molecular genetics lab

• Experience overseeing diagnostic molecular genetics work

• Experience teaching students bioinformatics using command line tools

• Track record of successfully publishing animal genetics/genomics results

• Previous experience conducting, analyzing, and overseeing animal health genetics experiments

This is a one-year term 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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io, or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll Free: View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:September 20, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS808

Original Posting Date: August 12, 2026

Posting Close Date:August 19, 2026

Job Requisition Number:R19754

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. View phone number on click.appcast.io, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

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.

Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub ( .

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University ( attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community ( . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

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. View phone number on click.appcast.io, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

If you have questions about the application process please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll-Free at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll-Free: View phone number on click.appcast.io. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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.