Research Scientist, Adjuvant Discovery and Vaccine Development, Center for Translational Medicine

University of Montana•Missoula Mountain Campus, MT

About The Position

The Center for Translational Medicine at the University of Montana seeks a research scientist to join the collaborative laboratory of Drs. Blair DeBuysscher and Jay Evans. The multidisciplinary team develops innovative vaccines and adjuvants for diseases including COVID-19, influenza, tuberculosis, pertussis, and opioid addiction, and studies host-pathogen interactions, vaccine-mediated immunity, immunopathology, and immune-mediated protection. The successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of next-generation adjuvants and vaccines. Hiring level may be assistant, associate, research scientist, or senior scientist, depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Responsibilities and autonomy vary by level. Assistant Scientists design and conduct experiments with supervision and perform some data management and analysis. Associate Scientists conduct experiments and analyze data with minimal oversight, review literature, and recommend new technologies or ideas. Research Scientists independently review literature, implement technologies and assay systems, conduct a wide range of experiments, analyze complex data, communicate interpreted results, present at internal meetings, and coordinate with technical and scientific staff. Senior Scientists additionally oversee laboratory operations, personnel, and projects; prepare report sections; assist with grants and manuscripts; present to internal and external audiences; initiate coordination of staff; and train junior or incoming scientists. The team is seeking driven candidates interested in designing and developing adjuvants and vaccines. A background in immunology or molecular biology and hands-on experience with techniques for investigating cell-mediated immunity, cell signaling, and receptor/ligand interactions are relevant to the work. The position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. The University of Montana is located in Montana and describes the surrounding landscape and quality of life as attractive features. A background check is required before an employment offer. Candidates must provide proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring; the university states that it may be limited in its ability to sponsor certain new H-1B visas.

Requirements

Assistant Scientist: Bachelor of Science and less than five years of applicable laboratory experience; strong verbal and written communication and accurate record keeping.
Associate Scientist: Bachelor of Science and more than five years of applicable laboratory experience, or Master of Science and less than two years of relevant laboratory experience; excellent verbal and written communication, accurate record keeping, task prioritization across multiple projects, and competence with multiple laboratory systems and methods.
Research Scientist: Bachelor of Science and more than ten years of applicable laboratory experience, or Master of Science and more than five years of laboratory experience; excellent verbal and written communication, accurate record keeping, ability to prioritize across multiple projects, and technical expertise in one or more laboratory systems.
Senior Scientist: Bachelor of Science and more than fifteen years of applicable laboratory experience, or Master of Science and more than ten years of laboratory experience; ability to manage laboratory technical staff; theoretical, practical, and technical scientific knowledge comparable to an early-career PhD scientist, with exceptional technical competencies; and established networking skills through interaction with scientists outside primary project roles.
Background check required before an employment offer.
Proof of authorization to work in the United States required before final hiring.

Nice To Haves

Strong working knowledge of immunology, bioinformatics, and/or multi-omics analysis.
Experience with one or more of cell culture, molecular biology, animal handling and procedures, flow cytometry, or fluorescence microscopy.
Experience with mouse handling, flow cytometry, and bioinformatics analysis is advantageous.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a larger team to design, execute, and interpret experiments relevant to novel vaccines and immunotherapeutics.
Proficiency in accurate record-keeping methodologies.
Eagerness to learn and apply new skills relevant to the research.
Strong publication record and excellent communication skills are desirable.
Hands-on experience with techniques for investigating cell-mediated immunity, cell signaling, and receptor/ligand interactions.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct laboratory experiments, with the degree of supervision depending on appointment level.
Perform data management and analysis, including complex analyses at Research Scientist and Senior Scientist levels.
Review scientific literature and recommend or implement new technologies, ideas, and assay systems.
Prepare accurate verbal or written summaries of results, including interpretation for managers and project teams.
Present research findings at internal research group meetings and, at senior level, internal and external meetings.
Coordinate technical and scientific staff efforts to meet project objectives and milestones.
At Senior Scientist level, oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, personnel, and project management.
At Senior Scientist level, write technical sections of reports, assist with grant and manuscript writing, and train incoming or junior scientists.
Communicate relevant scientific information to managers and colleagues.
Prioritize tasks and contribute to multiple projects, as applicable to the appointment level.