<p>Position Title:</p> <p>Research Scientist I</p> <p>Job Group:</p> <p>Professional & Scientific</p> <p>Required Minimum Qualifications:</p> <p>Bachelor's degree</p> <p>Preferred Qualifications:</p> <p>Degree in a related field such as Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology or related field.</p> <p>Experience working with invertebrate/arthropod cell lines.</p> <p>Experience with arboviral ecology.</p> <p>Experience with virology techniques such as isolation, microscopy, or assays.</p> <p>Experience performing molecular techniques such as PCR, RT-qPCR or cell culture.</p> <p>Prior Experience working in a Research or Diagnostic lab.</p> <p>Job Description:</p> <p>Summary</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>What You'll Do</p> <ul> <li>Execute virology & molecular assays </li></ul> <p>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.</p> <ul> <li>Oversee lab operations </li></ul> <p>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.</p> <ul> <li>Lead mini research projects </li></ul> <p>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</p> <ul> <li>Ensure biosafety standards </li></ul> <p>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.</p> <ul> <li>Support staff development </li></ul> <p>Mentor students and new personnel, manage training records, and assist PI with SOP updates, budget procedures, and lab compliance.</p> <p>Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.</p> <p>Example of Duties</p> <ul> <li>Develops, designs and conducts one or more small or moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with plan, reviews progress and evaluates results. </li><li>Formulates research methods and suggests options for improving quality, identifies potential problems, recommends and implements solutions, and collaborates in the development of new techniques. </li><li>Assists with publications and writing or developing grants. </li><li>Trains users in equipment operation and laboratory techniques, explains and demonstrates technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations and outcomes. </li><li>Coordinates data collection and screening and verifies the data. </li><li>Conducts analysis of data, interprets and implements research methodology based on outcome of analysis. </li></ul> <p>Level Guidelines</p> <ul> <li>Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision </li><li>Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode </li><li>Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope </li><li>Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained </li><li>Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate </li><li>May lead projects of limited scope and complexity </li><li>May provide guidance to students </li></ul> <p>Appointment Type:</p> <p>Regular</p> <p>Number of Months Employed Per Year:</p> <p>12 Month Work Period</p> <p>Time Type:</p> <p>Full time</p> <p>Pay Grade:</p> <p>PS807</p> <p>Application Instructions:</p> <p>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 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.</p> <p>Original Posting Date:</p> <p>July 29, 2025</p> <p>Posting Close Date:</p> <p>August 11, 2025</p> <p>Job Requisition Number:</p> <p>R17372</p>