Postdoctoral Research Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Postdoctoral research scientist jobs in Iowa are concentrated at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City and Ames. Research-intensive employers across agriculture, biosciences, and veterinary medicine regularly sponsor international scientists through H-1B visa and J-1 visa programs.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Biology
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
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 employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
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
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.
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Biology
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
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 employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
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
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.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Postdoctoral Research Scientist Jobs in IowaPostdoctoral Research Scientist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for postdoctoral research scientists in Iowa?
The University of Iowa and Iowa State University are the most active visa sponsors for postdoctoral research scientists in the state, with strong filing histories for H-1B and J-1 visa exchange visitor programs. The Iowa State University Research Park, Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Vaccines, and USDA research facilities in Ames also sponsor international postdoctoral researchers in agriculture and biosciences.
Which visa types realistically apply to postdoctoral research scientist roles in Iowa?
The J-1 exchange visitor visa is the most common pathway for postdoctoral researchers, requiring a designated sponsor organization to issue a DS-2019. The H-1B is available when the role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a directly related doctoral degree, though it is subject to an annual cap and selection process. EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based green cards are longer-term options, typically requiring PERM labor certification. F-1 students may use OPT before transitioning to employer-sponsored status.
How to find postdoctoral research scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate lists Iowa postdoctoral research scientist positions with verified employer sponsorship history, so you can focus on institutions and companies that have actively filed for international researchers. Filtering by Iowa narrows results to roles in Iowa City, Ames, and other research hubs where universities, federal labs, and agricultural biotech firms hire. Migrate Mate surfaces this sponsorship data directly, saving significant research time.
Which cities in Iowa have the most postdoctoral research scientist sponsorship jobs?
Iowa City and Ames account for the large majority of postdoctoral research scientist sponsorship activity in Iowa. Iowa City is anchored by the University of Iowa and its affiliated medical and research centers. Ames hosts Iowa State University, one of the country's leading land-grant research universities, along with USDA National Animal Disease Center facilities that sponsor researchers in veterinary and agricultural sciences.
Are there state-specific factors that affect visa sponsorship for postdoctoral researchers in Iowa?
Iowa's research economy is heavily oriented toward agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, and biomedical research, which shapes the types of postdoctoral roles available and the sponsoring institutions. Many positions are funded through federal grants via the USDA, NIH, or NSF, and grant-funded roles at universities commonly support J-1 or H-1B sponsorship. Researchers in animal science, plant pathology, and infectious disease find particularly strong institutional support in Iowa compared with many other states.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored postdoctoral research scientist jobs in Iowa?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.