Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Biology

About the role

Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position, with the possibility of extension to a third year contingent upon available funding. The postdoctoral researcher will join Professor Claus Kadelka's research program in mathematical biology. Candidates should have defined research interests in mathematical biology.

Research areas include systems biology, gene regulatory networks, infectious disease modeling, and behavioral epidemiology. Current projects examine how the structure and dynamics of biological regulatory networks shape biological function, including the NSF-funded projects Canalization and Other Design Principles of Gene Regulatory Network Models and A Mathematical Theory for the Biological Concept of Modularity.

• Additional projects focus on developing mathematical and computational models that account for heterogeneity in human behavior, contact patterns, and other individual-level characteristics and studying their effects on population-level disease dynamics.
• The specific research direction will be determined based on the successful candidate's expertise and interests, with flexibility to pursue new questions within these areas.
• The position includes a 2-1 teaching load and involvement in mentoring undergraduate students in research through Iowa State Math Research Teams (ISMaRT).

Required Minimum Qualifications

PhD in Mathematics or a closely related discipline by the appointment start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong research record in areas aligned with Professor Claus Kadelka's research interests, including discrete dynamical systems, network science, computational systems biology, infectious disease modeling, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Experience teaching undergraduate mathematics courses and mentoring students in research.
• Experience publishing scholarly research and communicating research findings to scientific audiences.
• Experience programming in Python.

Department/Program & College Description

The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University is a vibrant academic community with strengths in pure and applied mathematics, offering outstanding opportunities in research, teaching, and student mentorship.

Faculty maintain active, externally funded research programs across a broad range of mathematical disciplines, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports innovation, interdisciplinary engagement, and student success.

The department is committed to excellence in scholarship and education and provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research

Department Unit/Website: Department of Mathematics

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:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter
• Research statement
• Teaching statement

Why Choose Iowa State University?

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.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email, or call or Toll Free:.

• Proposed Start Date: August 16, 2027
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
• Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade

• Post Docs
• Original Posting Date: November 6, 2026
• Posting Close Date: December 15, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20202

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.