Senior Scientist

A Senior Research Scientist position in computational biology is available at the Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory, University of Missouri (MU) . This Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory functions across Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine , Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering , Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine , and MU Informatics Institute , and the lab is physically located at Bond Life Sciences Center . The missions of this lab are to study ecology, evolution, and host-pathogen interaction for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, especially influenza viruses, and to develop and apply systems biology based translational approaches to create influenza-less animal population and human communities. Translational systems biology is an integrated, multi-scale, evidence-based approach that combines laboratory, clinical and computational methods with an explicit goal of developing effective means of control of biological processes for improving human health and rapid clinical application. 

The current projects aim to 1) identify and predict emerging risks of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses for both human and animals using genomics sequences, big data and machine learning approaches; 2) develop a universal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, optimize vaccine production and vaccination strategies for disease prevention and quarantine; 3) develop machine learning methods to predict vaccine efficacy for each individual based on personal data, a move towards precision medicine; 4) understand molecular mechanisms for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 evolution and virus-host interactions, including host tropisms, pathogenesis, and transmission. Excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to work independently and in a team and a broad interest in Systems Biology are expected for the following positions.

Area of Specialization: Computational Biology

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform research in the areas of computational biology and bioinformatics;
• Research and stay current with project related scientific literature;
• Develop and validate new algorithms and tools to accomplish scientific objectives;
• Identify and implement creative solutions to overcome problems;
• Organize, interpret data, and derive study conclusions;
• Collaborate with internal and external investigators on multiple research projects ensuring scientific significance and feasibility;
• Summarize results of studies in the form of scientific abstracts and manuscripts.
• Serve as a resource to provide scientific information needed for various initiatives.
• Contributes to teaching activities by preparing and presenting educational seminars.
• Assist with grant/contract preparation by researching background, significance, and planning statistics.
• Participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to the incumbent’s specific field/discipline.

Note: Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned that are project and/or discipline specific

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knows and effectively uses the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of computational biology.
• Ability to organize, interpret data, and derive study conclusions.
• Has established scientific expertise.
• Possesses and applies a comprehensive knowledge of computational biology in the completion of complex assignments.
• Ability to advance state-of-the-art scientific research in field of computational biology.
• Ability to apply extensive and advanced principles, theories, and concepts.
• Ability to contribute to the development of solutions to complex problems that require innovation and ingenuity.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Excellent communication skills, verbally and written.
• Project management skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Occasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, etc., but none to the degree of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards where the likely result would be cuts, bruises, etc.
• Routine deadlines, usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressure from persons other than immediate supervisor.
• Job frequently requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, ability to distinguish colors.

Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators with exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills : leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to the university values.

Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.

Restricted Clause: This is a time-limited position, contingent upon the availability of funding.