Mosquito Research Scientist
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
8 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Position Title:
Mosquito Research ScientistJob Group:
Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degreePreferred Qualifications:
Proficiency in molecular biology techniques including PCR cloning gel electrophoresis and genomic DNA/RNA preparation.Previous experience in animal handling/rearing with preference for mosquitoes or other insect systems.
Involvement in research projects leading to publication as reports thesis or scientific manuscripts.
Experience mentoring training or teaching others in a laboratory research or classroom setting.
Job Description:
The Smith Lab at Iowa State University is seeking a Research Scientist I to support interdisciplinary research on mosquito biology innate immunity and vector-borne disease transmission.
The Research Scientist will play a central role in supporting laboratory research operations conducting molecular and cellular experiments maintaining mosquito colonies and transgenic lines and collaborating with lab members and external research partners. This position requires strong organizational skills experience with molecular biology techniques and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.
Key Responsibilities
Assist with laboratory management including scheduling staff ordering supplies maintaining equipment and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety protocols.
Maintain mosquito colonies and transgenic mosquito lines used in genetic and immunological research.
Perform molecular biology techniques such as PCR cloning gel electrophoresis and DNA/RNA extraction and preparation.
Conduct mosquito sorting dissections and microinjections using stereoscopes and compound microscopes.
Collaborate with lab members to design and execute experiments analyze data and troubleshoot research challenges.
Prepare data figures and documentation for presentations reports and scientific publications while maintaining accurate laboratory records.
Why Join Us
Join a collaborative research team exploring mosquito biology and the mechanisms behind vector-borne disease transmission. The Smith Lab uses molecular genetic and genomic approaches to study mosquito immunity and hostpathogen interactions advancing strategies to control diseases like malaria and West Nile virus and contributing to research with meaningful global public health impact.
This role provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge research techniques in a well-equipped laboratory offering opportunities to build a research portfolio contribute to publications and prepare for graduate study or research careers. The lab fosters a supportive collaborative environment with a strong track record of mentoring team members and values candidates who can communicate clearly work well with others and take an active role in overseeing lab activities and safety.
Candidates will be hired as a Research Scientist I.
This is a term position with the possibility of renewal.
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.
Level Guidelines
Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
Responds to inquiries and issues escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
May provide guidance to students
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
April 19 2029Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
PS807Application 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 or call or Toll Free: 1-.
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:
March 16 2026Posting Close Date:
March 24 2026Job Requisition Number:
R18808Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Laboratory Experience
- Machine Learning
- Python
- AI
- Bioinformatics
- C/C++
- R
- Biochemistry
- Research Experience
- Natural Language Processing
- Deep Learning
- Molecular Biology
About Company
Attending Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU) can be a whirlwind experience for some. ISU is a public land-grant institution offering higher education courses and programs with an emphasis on science, technology, and related areas. It's also home to the Cyclones athl ... View more
