Postdoctoral Research Associate Avian Immunology & Vaccine Development

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate -

Avian Immunology & Vaccine Development Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Wannemuehler Lab in the Nanovaccine Institute is accepting applications for a productive and result-oriented postdoctoral associate to work together as part of a team that is developing a novel vaccine approach to protect poultry from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The individual will (1) mucosally immunize 1-day-old broiler chickens and examine immunogenicity of fast and slow releasing nanovax formulations, (2) help carry out the toxicological evaluations of escalating nanovax doses in chickens, and (3) work with other team members in analyzing data from LPAI challenge of vaccinated chickens and controls. In addition, the individual will work with the team to refine experimental design, analyze data, and prepare manuscripts for publication, reports, and conference presentations. The work will be performed in state-of-the-art labs with advanced equipment and facilities in Ames, IA, and will involve a collaboration with the University of Wisconsin.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in immunology, microbiology, or related areas, Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and other scientific documentation in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with vaccine administration Experience working with laboratory animal models (e.g., mouse, chicken) Molecular biology skills (e.g., expression of recombinant proteins) BSL3 experience Experience in cell culture techniques and immunological analysis (B and T cells, cytokines, Luminex) Experience in processing tissue and serum samples from poultry.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine advances a three‑tiered mission of teaching, research, and service through a highly productive faculty, energetic graduate students, and the expertise of adjunct collaborators. Our research programs focus on improving animal health, protecting public health, and enhancing food safety. Faculty members provide instruction in bacteriology, immunology, virology, microbiology, epidemiology, and public health, supporting a comprehensive and integrated approach to veterinary and biomedical sciences.

Department Unit/Website:

About - Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine nanovaccine.iastate.edu

Proposed Start Date:

April 6, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

October 6, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12

Month Work Period Time Type:

Full time

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 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 23, 2026

Posting Close Date:

March 30, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18818 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. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu 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 employment@iastate.edu 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 website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.