Senior Research Scientist - Influenza Aerosol and Transmission Biology (Dual Posted with Job ID 61376)

Hiring Department

Life Sciences Center.

Job Description

The Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID) at the University of Missouri is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist to strengthen and help lead an expanding interdisciplinary research program in influenza aerosol biology and airborne transmission. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to assume a central scientific leadership role in a multidisciplinary P01 program focused on influenza transmission as part of the NIAID Influenza Transmission Research Consortium (ITRC), as well as complementary NIH R01-supported research on influenza transmission. Together, these programs integrate human studies, controlled animal transmission models, aerosol science, virology, immunology, engineering, and quantitative analysis.

A major goal of the transmission program is to understand why infected hosts differ in the amount and infectivity of virus released into aerosols and why exposure results in infection in some recipients but not others. The scientist will help define the mechanisms that govern influenza transmission by integrating viral, host, immune, aerosol, and environmental factors across human studies and controlled animal models. Research will encompass viral determinants of transmission, infectious virus shedding, aerosol generation and characterization, recipient susceptibility, particle transport and airflow, and other mechanisms governing airborne transmission. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in aerosol science, respiratory transmission, engineering, or related areas who can provide scientific and technical leadership and advance interdisciplinary transmission research across the P01 and R01 programs.

Major Responsibilities
• Provide scientific leadership for interdisciplinary research on influenza aerosol biology and airborne transmission, guiding experimental strategy, study design, scientific execution, and integration across human and animal studies. Provide scientific guidance and mentorship to postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research staff.
• Lead the scientific design and execution of influenza transmission studies across human studies and controlled animal models, working closely with study coordinators and research teams.
• Provide hands-on participation, as scientifically appropriate, in animal infection and exposure studies, aerosol sampling, specimen collection, and related experimental procedures.
• Investigate viral, host, immune, aerosol, and environmental determinants of infectious virus shedding, aerosol generation, recipient susceptibility, and airborne transmission.
• Lead and advance experimental approaches for studying respiratory aerosols and airborne transmission, including aerosol characterization, particle-size distributions, infectious virus content and stability, bioaerosol collection, and aerosol instrumentation, with emphasis on method development, optimization, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Contribute to studies of airflow, particle transport, aerosol behavior, and other physical and quantitative mechanisms of airborne transmission by working with engineering and modeling teams as appropriate to the scientist's expertise and individual projects.
• Integrate aerosol, virologic, immunologic, clinical, environmental, and transmission data; analyze and interpret research findings; and contribute substantially to manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, grant applications, and collaborative publications. At the Senior Research Scientist level, assume greater responsibility for scientific project leadership, cross-project scientific integration, mentoring, and development of new research directions.

Research Environment
The Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID) at the University of Missouri provides a highly collaborative environment for interdisciplinary research on influenza and other emerging respiratory viruses. The Center brings together investigators with expertise in virology, immunology, aerosol science, engineering, animal models, genomics, computational biology, and public health, creating a strong environment for studying influenza transmission across disciplinary boundaries. The program draws on expertise and resources across the School of Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Engineering, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Bond Life Sciences Center, and Institute for Data Science and Informatics, providing extensive opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The research program has access to newly established ABSL-2 animal transmission facilities, BSL-3 and ABSL-3 biocontainment facilities, aerosol sampling and engineering capabilities, advanced laboratory automation systems, and institutional core facilities supporting genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, imaging, bioinformatics, and computational biology.

A multidisciplinary P01 program focused on influenza transmission as part of the NIAID Influenza Transmission Research Consortium (ITRC), together with complementary NIH R01-supported research, provides opportunities to integrate human studies with controlled swine and ferret transmission models, develop new approaches for measuring infectious aerosols, and define the mechanisms that govern airborne influenza transmission. The successful candidate will have substantial opportunities for scientific leadership, cross-project scientific integration, interdisciplinary collaboration, publication, grant development, mentoring, and career growth within this expanding influenza transmission research program.

Shift

Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; with occasional evening/weekend work depending on experiment needs

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related/relevant area and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD, DVM, MD, or equivalent degree in aerosol science, bioaerosol science, environmental or occupational health, engineering, virology, microbiology, immunology, veterinary sciences, infectious diseases, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
• Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience is preferred; the level of appointment will be commensurate with experience and demonstrated scientific independence.
• Candidates with expertise in aerosol science, aerosol biology, or related areas are encouraged to apply even if their prior work was not specifically focused on influenza.
• For appointment at the Senior Research Scientist level, evidence of scientific leadership, mentoring, and a strong record of research productivity is expected.
• Strong quantitative, organizational, communication, and scientific writing skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $60,944.00 - $112,230.00 annually. Competitive salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Grade: GGS 011

University Title: Senior Scientist

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials
• Cover letter describing relevant research experience and interests
• Curriculum vitae
• Brief statement of research interests
• Contact information for three professional references

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

Want to learn more directly from people that work at the Bond Life Sciences Center? Check out our latest video highlighting the important work and experiences of our team:

https://mizzou.us/WorkatBondLSC

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement