Position Title:Assistant Professor in Diagnostics and Bioinformatics

Appointment Type:Faculty

Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the broad area of diagnostics and bioinformatics related to seed science. We seek candidates whose research will lead to the development of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools that facilitate the detection of seedborne pathogens with particular emphasis on viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Candidates are expected to possess expertise in the development and implementation of computational pipelines that underlie and support advanced diagnostic approaches including those that utilize high throughput sequencing. The position is 65% research, 30% teaching, and 5% service. The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally funded, high-impact research program and actively train graduate students. They will be expected to develop a teaching program that engages students in the broad areas of plant diseases diagnostics and bioinformatics while also participating in service to the university.

ISU has extensive shared facilities for biological research, including -omics technologies for genetics, genomics and microbiome studies and high-performance computing. The collaborative environment is enhanced by interdisciplinary and disciplinary graduate majors that promote cross-fertilization within labs. The successful candidate will have an office and laboratory in the Seed Science Building, which houses the Seed Science Center. The Seed Science Center is a globally recognized hub of excellence in seed testing, research, education, systems, and international programs. It is a leader in developing science to inform policy to benefit the world seed trade. The Center is home to the Seed Lab, one of the largest public testing laboratories in the U.S. that has provided accurate and professional seed testing services to growers and the seed industry for more than 130 years. The Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology serves as home to the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic, has access to numerous field research facilities, and administers a vibrant and experiential undergraduate microbiology program. Faculty have strengths in extension, teaching, and the scholarship of teaching and learning, and research across the full spectrum from fundamental to applied.

Required Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Science or a closely related field.

• Experience in novel approaches for the diagnosis of seed-borne pathogens.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of strong potential for conducting innovative research with diagnostics and bioinformatics that includes the manipulation of high throughput sequencing data.

• Evidence of a strong publication record in internationally-recognized journals

• Evidence of strong potential for research mentoring

• Evidence of strong potential for collaborative research

• Evidence of strong potential for securing extramural funding

• Evidence of strong potential for evidence-based, innovative teaching

Department Unit/Website: https://www.ppem.iastate.edu/about

Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2025

Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application.

The application should include:

1. Cover Letter describing the qualifications for the position (2 pages max);

2. Curriculum Vitae;

3. Research Statement detailing experience and future plans (3 pages max);

4. Teaching Statement detailing philosophy, experience, and future plans (2 pages max);

5. Representative publications (max of 3 publications as pdf files);

6. Names and contact information for three references. (References will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate)

For guaranteed consideration applications should be received by February 28, 2025.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Steven Whitham (swhitham@iastate.edu), or the Chair of the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Steven Harris (stevenh1@iastate.edu).

Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous 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: December 12, 2024

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:R16091

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .

If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.