Scientist - Virology - Wan Lab

Life Sciences Center

The Wan Influenza Systems Biology Lab seeks applications for a Scientist in Virology or Aerosol Biology. The lab is affiliated with the Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (School of Medicine), Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (College of Engineering), and Veterinary Pathobiology (College of Veterinary Medicine), and is part of NextGen Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID) and Bond Life Sciences Center (LSC).

Our research integrates clinical, experimental, computational, and translational approaches to study influenza transmission, including mechanisms of spread, viral evolution, and host immune responses. Our goal is to improve vaccines and antiviral strategies, reduce disease burden, and mitigate outbreaks. The lab has access to BSL3/ABSL-3 animal facilities at the Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research (LIDR), along with extensive core resources supporting imaging, proteomics, metabolomics, immunobiology, genomics, and computational modeling for interdisciplinary research.

Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will contribute to projects in one or more of the following areas: 1) Viral Transmission: Investigate molecular, cellular, and biophysical determinants of transmission, including host range and tissue tropism, aerosolization and airborne spread; develop human studies and animal models to characterize and predict transmission in humans across environments. 2) Vaccine Effectiveness and Precision Health: Investigate molecular mechanisms affecting vaccine performance and immune imprinting; develop broadly protective vaccines to enhance immunity and reduce transmission. 3) Virus Surveillance and Pathogen Discovery: Identify emerging viral threats at the animal-human interface through pathogen discovery, genomic surveillance, and epidemiological studies.

The candidate will lead research efforts, mentor postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and junior lab members, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Additional responsibilities include contributing to project reports and grant preparation. Strong motivation and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team are essential.

We support professional growth through collaborations with leading researchers at MU and beyond, along with opportunities for grant writing and independent project development.

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm; with flexibility for weekend/evening hours as required for experiment needs.

A Bachelor's degree in related/ relevant area and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

PhD in Virology, Aerosol Biology, Infectious Diseases, or a related field, with at least three years of postdoctoral (or equivalent) research experience.

Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Grade: GGS 010

University Title: Scientist

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

Cover letter & Resume/CV

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!

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!

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/totalrewards/benefits.

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.