Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Aerosol Biology of Influenza Transmission

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Job ID

61166

Location

Columbia

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

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Hiring Department

The Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID) at the University of Missouri

Job Description

The Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID) at the University of Missouri is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on the aerosol and airborne transmission biology of influenza viruses. The fellow will have the opportunity to play a central role in major NIH-supported research on influenza transmission, including a multidisciplinary P01 program as part of the NIAID Influenza Transmission Research Consortium (ITRC) and complementary NIH R01-supported research. A major goal of our research program is to understand why infected hosts differ in the amount and infectivity of virus released into aerosols, why exposure results in infection in some recipients but not others, and why different influenza viruses vary in their capacity for airborne transmission. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise or strong research interests in aerosol science, aerosol biology, respiratory transmission, or related areas. Prior experience specifically with influenza is desirable but not required. The fellow will have opportunities to develop an independent research niche within this broad transmission program, with research directions tailored to the candidate's expertise and career interests.

Research Focus and Responsibilities

• Design and conduct mechanistic studies of influenza transmission involving human studies and/or controlled animal models, as appropriate to the candidate's expertise and research interests.
• Investigate viral, host, immune, and environmental determinants of infectious virus shedding, aerosol generation, recipient susceptibility, and airborne transmission.
• Study the generation, properties, transport, and fate of respiratory aerosols, including particle-size distributions, infectious virus content, aerosol stability, airflow, particle transport, and other factors relevant to transmission.
• Develop and apply experimental, engineering, and quantitative approaches to airborne transmission. Depending on the candidate's expertise and research interests, these may include bioaerosol sampling, aerosol instrumentation, particle characterization, airflow measurements, computational fluid dynamics, and mathematical or mechanistic modeling.
• Integrate virologic, immunologic, aerosol, clinical, environmental, and transmission data to identify mechanisms and determinants of influenza transmission.
• Work collaboratively across virology, immunology, aerosol science, engineering, human studies, animal models, and quantitative modeling, while analyzing data and contributing to manuscripts, presentations, collaborative publications, and grant-related scientific activities.

Research Environment and Career Development

The Wan Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory and CIEID provide a collaborative environment spanning the School of Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Engineering, Bond Life Sciences Center, and Institute for Data Science and Informatics. The research program has access to ABSL-2 transmission facilities, BSL-3 and ABSL-3 biocontainment facilities, aerosol sampling and engineering capabilities, laboratory automation, and institutional cores supporting genomics, imaging, proteomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology. Through the multidisciplinary P01 program as part of the NIAID Influenza Transmission Research Consortium (ITRC) and complementary R01-supported research, the fellow will have opportunities to work with investigators across aerosol science, virology, immunology, engineering, animal models, human studies, and quantitative modeling; develop an independent scientific niche in aerosol and airborne transmission biology; publish interdisciplinary work; contribute to major collaborative grants; and build expertise at the interface of aerosol science and infectious disease.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in aerosol science, aerosol biology, environmental or occupational health, engineering, microbiology, virology, infectious diseases, or a related field. Research experience in aerosol science, respiratory or airborne pathogen transmission, or related experimental or quantitative systems is preferred. Prior experience specifically with influenza is desirable but not required.
• Strong quantitative, organizational, communication, and scientific writing skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Application Materials

Must complete MU application as well as the below items.

Please send the following materials to Dr. Henry Wan through cieid@missouri.edu:

• Cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and career goals
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for at least two professional references

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The position is available for a minimum of one year with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding.

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

About Us:

The Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri is a dynamic hub where groundbreaking research meets real-world impact. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, our state-of-the-art facility brings together experts in diverse fields-engineers, cancer biologists, plant scientists, and IT specialists-all working towards a common goal: to save lives, reduce costs, and enhance everyday life for Missourians and people around the globe.

Our Mission:

We are committed to transforming scientific discoveries into actionable solutions. Our innovative research not only addresses pressing challenges in human and animal health, the environment, and agriculture, but it also translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of individuals everywhere. We also strive to share our findings with the public, ensuring that our discoveries resonate far beyond the lab in a language anyone can understand through our blog, Decoding Science, events for the public, social media and more.

Why Join Us?

At the Bond Life Sciences Center, you'll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference. Our collaborative environment not only supports innovative research but also ensures that our discoveries lead to tangible benefits for society. Work in an award-winning facility designed for creativity and impact and contribute to a mission that truly changes lives.

Join us in our quest to advance science and improve lives, one discovery at a time!

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, 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

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.