Department

BSD E&E - Administration

About the Department

The Cobey Lab at The University of Chicago in the Department of Ecology & Evolution has opportunities for several for several quantitative Computational Research Scientists to investigate the adaptive immune response to influenza, especially its impacts on individual protection and pathogen epidemiology and evolution. A background in nonlinear dynamics, physics, statistics, machine learning, evolution, epidemiology, or another quantitative field is required. Projects include (a) modeling the longitudinal dynamics of individual immune responses after infection and vaccination, (b) examining variability in individuals’ responses after multiple exposures and inferring correlates of protection, (c) developing methods to measure vaccine effectiveness in different populations, and (d) predicting pathogen dynamics. Outcomes from the projects will inform vaccination strategies and fundamental knowledge of the interplay of immunity, viral evolution, and epidemiology. These projects involve close collaboration with epidemiologists, immunologists, ecologists, and evolutionary biologists, including through the NIH-funded Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Consortium (CIVIC), the Centers for Excellence in Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR), and other NIH-funded research projects, as well as collaboration with the CDC and other public health agencies. A background in immunology is not necessary. There is substantial opportunity to shape the direction of research and develop new projects and collaborations.

Job Summary

The Cobey Lab is looking for several quantitative Computational Research Scientists to investigate the adaptive immune response to influenza, especially its impacts on individual protection and pathogen epidemiology and evolution. A background in nonlinear dynamics, physics, statistics, machine learning, evolution, epidemiology, or another quantitative field is required. Projects include (a) modeling the longitudinal dynamics of individual immune responses after infection and vaccination, (b) examining variability in individuals’ responses after multiple exposures and inferring correlates of protection, (c) developing methods to measure vaccine effectiveness in different populations, and (d) predicting pathogen dynamics. Outcomes from the projects will inform vaccination strategies and fundamental knowledge of the interplay of immunity, viral evolution, and epidemiology. These projects involve close collaboration with epidemiologists, immunologists, ecologists, and evolutionary biologists, including through the NIH-funded Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Consortium (CIVIC), the Centers for Excellence in Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR), and other NIH-funded research projects, as well as collaboration with the CDC and other public health agencies. A background in immunology is not necessary. There is substantial opportunity to shape the direction of research and develop new projects and collaborations.

Responsibilities

Design and perform reproducible computational and statistical analyses related to the lab’s research.

Summarize research results in writing (scientific publications, progress reports) and in oral presentations at meetings and conferences.

Develop new statistical and programming skills and expertise with literature relevant to research project.

Collaborate with the PI to assist in managing the research project, including training and mentoring students, postdocs, and other researchers; setting project goals; and coordinating research with investigators outside the lab.

Develop new research projects to enhance existing collaborations and develop new ones.

Develop programs to perform analyses and generate both routine and ad hoc reports.

Designs and performs formal evaluation of informatics methods and products.

Creates first drafts for scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.

Trains and mentors laboratory personnel.

Performs other related work as needed.                 

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

PhD in a related quantitative field, such as statistics, epidemiology, physics, ecology, evolution, or computer science.

Experience:

5 - 7 years of research experience training.

Preferred Competencies

Strong quantitative skills, including in statistical inference.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Commitment to rigorous and reproducible research.

Experience managing projects with multiple collaborating labs, including delivering results on deadline.

Working Conditions

The role requires the ability to travel to meetings in the United States and abroad, including occasional lab retreats and meetings, if otherwise working remotely. (Travel expenses for research meetings outside Chicago will be covered).

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)

Cover Letter (required) describing qualifications and research interests

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$80,000.00 - $100,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for n/a

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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