Research Scientist I or II, Phage Therapy

University of Idaho, United States

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Moscow, IDAHO
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Posting Number SP003331P
Position Title Research Scientist I or II, Phage Therapy
Location Moscow
Division/College University Research (Div)
Department Institute for Modeling Collaboration & Innovation (IMCI)
FLSA Status Overtime Exempt
Employee Category Exempt
Pay Range Commensurate with experience
Type of Appointment Fiscal Year
FTE
1.0
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Position Overview
Phage therapy— the use of bacterial viruses called phages to treat and prevent infections—is a promising solution to the antibiotic resistance crisis. The person in this postdoctoral-level position will join the Phage Therapy Working Group with its goal of advancing the principles of phage therapy using evolution. This position will play a central role in driving the team’s research by combining lab work (microbiology and DNA sequencing) with bioinformatics and quantitative analysis (genome assembly, mutation analysis, statistical inference).
Research Scientist I serves as independent researcher or as a collaborator on a multi-scholar research initiative. They have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
Research Scientist II designs and manages all aspects of a research portfolio complimentary to that of other research scientists or research faculty. They often maintain active research collaborations external to the university.
Unit Overview
This position will be housed within the Institute for Modeling Collaboration and Innovation (IMCI) at the University of Idaho. IMCI brings modeling expertise to many research projects by hiring and supporting modelers (postdocs, faculty, and research scientists) and connecting them with empiricists. The vision of IMCI is that modeling can both improve research at every stage and serve as a common denominator for exchanging scientific ideas. The research teams that emerge often cross traditional discipline boundaries and integrate across experience levels from undergraduates to professors.
The Phage Therapy Working Group is comprised of James Bull, Holly Wichman, JT Van Leuven, and Craig Miller. The experimental evolution work for this project will occur in the lab that they share within the Department of Biological Sciences.
Funding This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy.
Internal Posting?

Position Responsibilities


Key Accountability Research Scientist I
Job Duties
Presence of responsibility to oversee major multi-purpose research projects.

Examples of Work:
  • Experimental Evolution and sequencing
    • Culture pathogenic (BSL-2) bacteria
    • Follow, develop, and carry out protocols for phage evolution
    • Isolate and prepare phage and bacterial DNA/RNA for sequencing

  • Computational
    • Assemble genomes from next-gen sequencing
    • Identify mutations and affected genes/regulatory elements
    • Use bioinformatics, programming, and modeling to analyze data and draw inferences
  • Communication and Presentation
    • Work and communicate with PIs about progress and problems
    • Attend and present work at local and professional meetings
    • Take lead role in publishing work in peer-reviewed journals
  • Supervision of junior-level staff and students; does not include a full range of supervisory responsibilities
Key Accountability Research Scientist II
Job Duties
Independent development and management of a research portfolio including identifying and securing funding.

Examples of Work:
  • Experimental Evolution and sequencing
    • Culture pathogenic (BSL-2) bacteria
    • Follow, develop, and carry out protocols for phage evolution
    • Isolate and prepare phage and bacterial DNA/RNA for sequencing

  • Computational
    • Assemble genomes from next-gen sequencing
    • Identify mutations and affected genes/regulatory elements
    • Use bioinformatics, programming, and modeling to analyze data and draw inferences
  • Communication and Presentation
    • Work and communicate with PIs about progress and problems
    • Attend and present work at local and professional meetings
    • Take lead role in publishing work in peer-reviewed journals
  • Supervision of junior-level staff and students; does not include a full range of supervisory responsibilities

Position Qualifications


Required Experience
Research Scientist I:
  • Three years of research experience related to the domain of this position (including experience during PhD)


Research Scientist II:
  • 5 years of research experience beyond receipt of doctoral degree
  • Demonstrated record of research achievement
  • Participation in the development and submission of sponsored project proposals
Required Education
Both Research Scientist I and II require a PhD in biology, microbiology, molecular biology or related field
Required Licensures, Certifications or other
Additional Preferred
Research Scientist I:
  • Experience with next-gen sequencing data and bioinformatics
  • Experience with computer programming (e.g. in R, Python, C++)
  • Training and experience working with bacteria and phage
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
  • Experiencing mentoring students
  • Expertise in microbial evolution, experimental evolution, or phage therapy
  • Strong oral communication skills
  • Record of 2 or more lead-author publications in peer reviewed journals in a relevant field
  • Record of writing proposals and acquiring externally funded grants.


Research Scientist II:
  • Experience with next-gen sequencing data and bioinformatics
  • Experience with computer programming (e.g. in R, Python, C++)
  • Training and experience working with bacteria and phage
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
  • Experiencing mentoring students
  • Expertise in microbial evolution, experimental evolution, or phage therapy
  • Strong oral communication skills
  • Record of 5 or more lead-author publications in peer reviewed journals in a relevant field
  • Record of writing proposals and acquiring externally funded grants.
  • Experience serving as PI or Co-Pi on extramurally funded research
Physical Requirements
Working Conditions
Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of application

Posting Information


Posting Date 04/11/2022
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
First review of applicants will be on April 25, 2022
Applicant Resources
Background Check Statement
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement

The University of Idaho (U of I) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, U of I does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information or status as any protected veteran or military status in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions and educational programs.

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