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Position Title:Research Scientist I

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:Degree in a related field such as Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology or related field.

Experience working with invertebrate/arthropod cell lines.

Experience with arboviral ecology.

Experience with virology techniques such as isolation, microscopy, or assays.

Experience performing molecular techniques such as PCR, RT-qPCR or cell culture.

Prior Experience working in a Research or Diagnostic lab.

Job Description:

Summary

The Fagre Lab at Iowa State University seeks a driven Research Scientist I with hands-on expertise in virology and molecular biology. In this role, you will balance bench research with essential lab coordination in a BSL‑3 setting—working with faculty, students, technicians, and vendors to advance high-impact projects in viral pathogenesis and molecular diagnostics.

The Fagre Lab investigates the ecological and immunological dynamics that shape viral emergence across species. With a focus on vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens in wildlife species, our work integrates fieldwork, molecular virology, and ecoimmmunology to study how host-pathogen interactions are shaped by physiological stress, environmental variability, and anthropogenic changes. Current projects focus on arboviral ecology, host-ectoparasite-pathogen relationships, and characterizing the immune mechanisms that modulate host susceptibility to viral infection.

• What You’ll Do

+ Execute virology & molecular assays Prepare culture media and reagents; perform DNA/RNA extractions, PCR/RT‑qPCR; maintain mammalian, primary, and arthropod (tick/mosquito) cell cultures; and conduct virus isolation and quantification alongside senior scientists.

+ Oversee lab operations Manage inventory, equipment upkeep, SOP tracking, permit coordination (IACUC, IBC, CDC, USFWS), and shipping. Collaborate with vendors, PI, and lab staff to ensure regulatory compliance and smooth operations.

+ Lead mini research projects Design and implement experiments, analyze data, and contribute to manuscripts, technical reports, and grant submissions. Work closely with PI, graduate students, and field/in   vivo teams

+ Ensure biosafety standards Conduct experiments in BSL‑3 labs (training provided), maintain detailed documentation of viral and cell line stocks, and liaise with biosafety and quality-control personnel.

+ Support staff development Mentor students and new personnel, manage training records, and assist PI with SOP updates, budget procedures, and lab compliance.

Example of Duties• Develops, designs and conducts one or more small or moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with plan, reviews progress and evaluates results.• Formulates research methods and suggests options for improving quality, identifies potential problems, recommends and implements solutions, and collaborates in the development of new techniques.• Assists with publications and writing or developing grants.• Trains users in equipment operation and laboratory techniques, explains and demonstrates technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations and outcomes.• Coordinates data collection and screening and verifies the data.• Conducts analysis of data, interprets and implements research methodology based on outcome of analysis.Level Guidelines• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field 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

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 [email protected] 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: July 29, 2025

Posting Close Date:August 11, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R17372

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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 (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-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. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. 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 [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.