Postdoctoral Scientist, Center for Translational Medicine

Updated: about 2 hours ago
Location: Missoula, MONTANA
Job Type: FullTime

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page.  Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College.  Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.

The joint immunology lab of Drs. Blair DeBuysscher and Jay Evans at the University of Montana is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to join our pioneering research in developing novel vaccines. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to exploring innovative strategies at the convergence of immunology, formulation science and chemistry, to tackle challenges in vaccine design and development. We are a well-funded, collaborative research team with strong connections in academia and industry. Our team is at the forefront of vaccine research, focusing on a range of diseases impacting human health, including tuberculosis, COVID-19, monkeypox, Lyme disease, influenza virus, pertussis, and opioid addiction. Additionally, we delve into understanding host-pathogen interactions, immunopathology, and immune-mediated protection at the molecular level.

Join our tuberculosis project team and play a pivotal role in the advancement of next-generation TB vaccines. We're looking for driven individuals passionate about designing and developing innovative adjuvants and vaccines. Ideally, candidates will possess a robust understanding of immunology or molecular biology, along with hands-on experience in techniques crucial for investigating cell-mediated immunity, cell signaling, and receptor/ligand interactions. Proficiency in mouse handling, flow cytometry, and bioinformatics analysis would be highly advantageous. Embark on an extraordinary journey and become a part of our team of creative and forward-thinking scientists in beautiful Montana. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, our research environment offers not only groundbreaking scientific opportunities but also an unparalleled quality of life. Montana's breathtaking scenery and abundance of outdoor activities provide the perfect backdrop for cultivating fresh ideas and fostering innovation.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its essential values of innovation and creativity, impact, openness, diversity, and partnership.


Position Details:
  • Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
  • Starting salary for this position is consistent with NIH pay scales, starting $56,484

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M. (current or within 3 months for graduate students)
  • Seeking highly motivated candidates with a strong working knowledge of immunology, molecular biology, toxicology and/or cell biology
  • Previous experience with one or more of the following techniques is preferred; cell culture, cell signaling, receptor/ligand interaction, molecular biology, animal handling and procedures, flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a larger team framework to design, execute, and interpret experiments crucial to the development of novel vaccines and immunotherapeutics
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency in accurate record-keeping methodologies
  • Eagerness to learn and apply new skills appropriate to conduct necessary research
  • Strong publication record and excellent communication skills are desirable

About UM :

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and 500+ full-time faculty members. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 70,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000 ” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th  in Outside Magazine’s “The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America ” in 2014. Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life . Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment. In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility.  All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply:

Priority Application Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 by 11:59 pm (MST)

Applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration, and the position will remain open until filled. 

Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below. 

*Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

  • Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
  • Detailed CV listing education and describing work experience
  • Names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Missoula, Montana, United States