Job Description

Position Title:

Diagnostic Associate I

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

of Duties and Responsibilities:

Are you passionate about molecular diagnostics, genomics, and bioinformatics? The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Iowa State University is seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team. This position offers the opportunity to work with advanced sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools while supporting animal health diagnostics, disease surveillance, and research initiatives. If you enjoy problem solving, data analysis, and working in a collaborative laboratory environment, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Do

As a Diagnostic Associate I, you will support the laboratory's diagnostic and surveillance efforts through molecular testing, sequencing analysis, quality assurance activities, and research support. Key responsibilities include:

• Perform molecular diagnostic procedures including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, Sanger sequencing, and next generation sequencing.
• Analyze sequencing data, assemble gene sequences from raw data, generate phylogenetic trees, and conduct bioinformatic analyses to support diagnostic testing and disease surveillance programs.
• Evaluate incoming samples for quality and suitability, verify test results, monitor quality control measures, and investigate unexpected or inconsistent findings.
• Collaborate with diagnostic associates, faculty, laboratory staff, and national surveillance partners to support animal disease monitoring and reporting efforts.
• Assist with research and development projects by supporting test development activities, organizing research samples, and providing technical expertise for ongoing laboratory initiatives.
• Requires strict adherence to established safety and quality standards.
• Provides opportunities to build expertise in molecular diagnostics, sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics applications.
• Involves high volume sample processing and requires strong attention to detail.
• The ability to distinguish colors accurately is necessary for interpreting laboratory results and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

Additional details

• Location: Ames, Iowa within the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Iowa State University. Work is performed onsite in a laboratory setting handling biological specimens and specialized equipment
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with no weekend hours

About the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory serves veterinarians, animal owners, researchers, industry partners, and government agencies by providing high quality diagnostic testing and disease surveillance services. The laboratory plays a vital role in protecting animal health, supporting food safety, and responding to emerging disease threats. Through innovative diagnostic technologies and scientific collaboration, the VDL contributes to the health and well being of animals locally, nationally, and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, genetics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, animal science, or a related field.
• Laboratory experience through employment, internship, research, or academic laboratory work.
• Experience performing molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, RNA extraction, PCR, or gel electrophoresis.
• Experience with DNA sequencing technologies, including Sanger sequencing or next generation sequencing.
• Experience using bioinformatics or sequence analysis software (e.g., BLAST, Geneious, CLC Genomics Workbench, Galaxy, R, Python, or similar tools).

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.

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 employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS806

Original Posting Date:

July 1, 2026

Posting Close Date:

July 8, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19537

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu

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.