University of Missouri-Columbia
Senior Scientist - Wan Lab
University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, United States
Overview
The Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory at the University of Missouri (MU) is looking for a dynamic and highly motivated Senior Scientist candidate in computational biology. Zoonotic pathogens pose a substantial global risk to public health and require an integrated One Health approach for their effective detection, control and mitigation or treatment. Over 60% of human infectious diseases originate in animals, predominantly from wildlife reservoirs, and over 70% of these zoonotic pathogens are “emerging”. The missions of this lab are 1) to study ecology, evolution, and host-pathogen interaction for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases; especially influenza viruses, and 2) 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. This 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 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 position. 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.
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
Master’s Degree
Salary and Title Anticipated Hiring Range: Salary Range: $60,000 - $85,000 per year Grade: GGS-011 University Title: Senior Scientist
Application Materials Cover letter & Resume/CV
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
Note: Additional boilerplate and site navigation references have been removed to focus on the job-specific content.
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The Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory at the University of Missouri (MU) is looking for a dynamic and highly motivated Senior Scientist candidate in computational biology. Zoonotic pathogens pose a substantial global risk to public health and require an integrated One Health approach for their effective detection, control and mitigation or treatment. Over 60% of human infectious diseases originate in animals, predominantly from wildlife reservoirs, and over 70% of these zoonotic pathogens are “emerging”. The missions of this lab are 1) to study ecology, evolution, and host-pathogen interaction for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases; especially influenza viruses, and 2) 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. This 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 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 position. 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.
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
Master’s Degree
Salary and Title Anticipated Hiring Range: Salary Range: $60,000 - $85,000 per year Grade: GGS-011 University Title: Senior Scientist
Application Materials Cover letter & Resume/CV
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
Note: Additional boilerplate and site navigation references have been removed to focus on the job-specific content.
#J-18808-Ljbffr