"Alerted.org

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate - Research in Meat Science

Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

The Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral research scientist in meat science and meat and muscle proteomics. This position presents an exciting opportunity to lead cutting-edge research on the quality of pork and beef. The successful candidate will be responsible for generating multi-omics data (proteomic, metabolomic, and related omics such as lipidomics and/or volatilomics) from large sample libraries; performing in-depth analysis of proteins, peptides, and small molecules in beef and pork products that vary in consumer quality; and applying machine learning techniques to predict fresh meat quality based on proteomic, metabolomic, and peptidomic profiles. Applicants with complementary expertise in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, lipidomics, volatilomics, and/or sensory and flavor chemistry are strongly encouraged to apply.

The objectives of this work are to: 1) Develop a more complete understanding of proteomic and metabolomic changes in postmortem muscle, and 2) Utilize advanced computational approaches to improve the prediction of meat quality.

The successful candidate will be expected to work independently while thriving in a collaborative environment. Strong initiative, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team are essential for success. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact in meat science research while contributing to a dynamic and supportive academic community.

Required Education and Experience:

Ph.D. in animal science and/or meat science or a closely related area

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

+ Evidence of leadership in conducting research and publishing research results related to proteomics in muscle and meat.

+ Evidence of mastery in proteomic and metabolomic data analysis, with experience in integrating multi-omics datasets (such as metabolomics, lipidomics, and volatilomics).

+ Evidence of mastery of protein and proteomic laboratory skills.

+ Experience in analytical chemistry methods relevant to meat quality (e.g., mass spectrometry-based workflows).

+ Experience connecting chemical signatures (e.g., volatile/flavor profiles) with sensory outcomes and meat quality traits.

+ Familiarity with food safety systems (e.g., HACCP) and/or experience in applied product development or manufacturing settings.

Department/Program & College Description:

Research in meat science encompasses both basic and applied studies of the science of meat and meat products. The program encompasses research on animal physiology and fresh meat quality, as well as pre- and post-mortem muscle physiology and biochemistry. It also includes meat processing technology, utilizing novel ingredients and equipment, as well as new preservation and packaging concepts. Microbiology and food safety are important components of both fresh meat and processed meat research programs. Meat Science has well-equipped chemistry and microbiology laboratories, including a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory for work with pathogenic microorganisms, as well as extensive facilities for animal harvest, fabrication, processing, and preservation.

Department Unit/Website:

https://www.ans.iastate.edu/

https://www.ans.iastate.edu/meat-science

Proposed Start Date:February 2, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:February 1, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Application Instructions:

All application materials must be received by January 25, 2026, for guaranteed consideration.

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 Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf 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 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: January 7, 2026

Posting Close Date:January 14, 2026

Job Requisition Number:R18422

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.