Research Scientist I - Poultry

About the role

Job Group: Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree

About the role

The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is seeking an early-career Research Scientist I to coordinate and support animal science research activities. This position will oversee animal research studies, coordinate laboratory operations, and ensure research activities are conducted in accordance with approved protocols, established procedures, and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will also provide technical guidance and training to students and research personnel while supporting the quality, accuracy, and integrity of research outcomes.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate and oversee animal research studies, including scheduling and managing the use of animals, facilities, equipment, and other research resources.
• Ensure research activities follow approved experimental protocols, animal welfare standards, standard operating procedures, biosafety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Coordinate data collection and the collection, processing, handling, and storage of biological samples to maintain research quality and integrity.
• Identify and resolve operational, technical, or protocol-related issues that may affect animal welfare, research outcomes, or study timelines.
• Prepare study reports and maintain required research, regulatory, and compliance documentation in accordance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
• Perform and oversee chemical analyses of research samples in the nutrition laboratory, ensuring adherence to established methodologies, laboratory procedures, and quality control standards.
• Coordinate laboratory workflows, including scheduling and prioritizing equipment use, managing sample analysis activities, and supporting the implementation of research methodologies.
• Train and provide technical guidance to undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, hourly employees, and research staff on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, research protocols, and safety practices.
• Monitor research activities and personnel to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and promote a safe, organized, and compliant research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Poultry Science, or a related field.
• Experience handling and working with poultry in a research or production setting.
• Experience collecting, processing, and managing biological samples.
• Experience working in a traditional laboratory setting, performing routine laboratory procedures and chemical or biological analyses.
• Experience following laboratory and animal research safety procedures, including compliance with established protocols, standard operating procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Experience coordinating research activities, including developing schedules, prioritizing tasks, and managing resources to ensure studies and laboratory work are completed within established timelines.

Additional information

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.

This is a term position that may have opportunity for renewal.

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

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

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

• Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
• Proposed End Date or Length of Term: January 3, 2028
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
• Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade

• PS807
• Original Posting Date: November 3, 2026
• Posting Close Date: November 10, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20169

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.