Research Scientist II

Position Title:
Research Scientist II

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

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

Preferred Qualifications:
PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related degree.
Experience with nucleic acid aptamers and protein expression and purification.
Cloning experience. 
Experience operating and maintaining lab equipment.

Job Description:

We are seeking candidates for a Research Scientist II position who will help our team achieve the long-term goal of creating a sensor that can detect biothreats in the air. The candidate will clone and express biothreat proteins, select aptamers that recognize them and optimize these aptamers for application on an electrochemical sensor. Part of the job will also be to automate the SELEX protocol using a Hamilton robotic platform.
Example of Duties
• Develops, designs and conducts one or more 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.
• May act as a co-author.

This is a part-time, 1-year term position. The candidate will work 20 hrs per week with flexible hours.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. 
Level Guidelines
• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

May 19, 2025

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Part time

Pay Grade:
PS808

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

Original Posting Date:
April 17, 2024

Posting Close Date:
April 24, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R14496