Strong background in bacterial pathogenesis, molecular genetics, and/or microbial genomics.
Experience in analyzing high-throughput sequencing data and using bioinformatics tools.
Experience with E. coli or other enteric pathogens.
Experience in animal studies
Hands-on experience with NGS platforms and data analysis workflows.
Experience in virus discovery or virology Job Description:
Summary
The Li Lab at Iowa State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Scientist II to join our dynamic team. Our research program aims to advance the molecular understanding of pathogenic Escherichia coli and other emerging or reemerging bacterial and viral pathogens, with the overarching goal of improving the control and prevention of infectious diseases in animals, as well as enhancing diagnostics, surveillance, and public health response strategies.
The successful candidate will contribute to projects investigating host-pathogen interactions, bacterial virulence mechanisms, and the genetic and regulatory networks that drive pathogen adaptation and fitness, as well as participate in vaccine development. In addition, the position involves the use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) and other next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to study microbial evolution, trace outbreaks, and identify novel pathogens.
Example of Duties
- Design and conduct molecular and genomic experiments to identify and characterize bacterial virulence factors and regulatory pathways.
- Design and conduct animal studies to evaluate the role of specific genes in virulence and to assess the safety and efficacy of vaccine candidates.
- Analyze WGS and NGS data to investigate pathogen genomics, transmission dynamics, and evolutionary adaptations.
- Participate in ongoing pathogen surveillance efforts by implementing and optimizing WGS-based pipelines.
- Collaborate on multidisciplinary research involving the detection and characterization of novel bacterial and viral pathogens.
- Prepare manuscripts, present research findings at scientific meetings, and contribute to grant writing and progress reporting.
- Mentor students and technical staff as appropriate.
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
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