Research Scientist - School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology

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Description

• The Zarnitsyna lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory University School of Medicine is recruiting for a new multidisciplinary project on respiratory virus transmission. The project combines video-recorded ferret transmission experiments with machine learning–based behavioral tracking and mechanistic mathematical modeling to determine how contact behavior, contact duration, fomite sharing, and viral shedding together shape infection risk. The long-term goal is to translate this framework to human challenge studies and household cohorts to inform evidence-based mitigation strategies. This position focuses specifically on the mathematical modeling component: building and fitting mechanistic models that link the behavioral tracking data to infection outcomes and viral dynamics.

• The Zarnitsyna lab invites applications for a Research Scientist to work with Dr. Veronika Zarnitsyna on mechanistic modeling of respiratory virus transmission, integrating behavioral data from ferret transmission experiments with within-host viral dynamics. The successful candidate will develop within-host and between-host models of infection and transmission, apply Bayesian and likelihood-based inference methods to fit them to experimental data, and work collaboratively with graduate students, postdocs, and faculty from multidisciplinary fields. Writing papers, presenting at meetings, and mentoring students are also part of the role. The position can start immediately.

Key responsibilities

• Develops biochemical and cell-based assays, with the use of such assays to perform high throughput screening of small molecule libraries.

• Develops and executes lower throughput biochemical or cell-based assays for structural optimization of hit compounds.

• Hands-on bench scientist.

• Communicates with biomedical investigators and medicinal chemists.

• May supervise staff.

• Performs related responsibilities as required.

• Develops mechanistic mathematical models of infectious disease dynamics and transmission.

• Performs computational simulations and quantitative analyses using R, Python, or Julia.

• Applies statistical inference methods to estimate model parameters from experimental data.

• Collaborates with experimental and computational research groups.

• Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and seven years of related experience or equivalent combination of experience, education and training. Strong technical background.

• Preferred qualifications

• Experience with dynamical systems, stochastic modeling, or statistical inference (Bayesian methods, MCMC, maximum likelihood).

• Familiarity with infectious disease modeling, within-host viral dynamics, or immunology.

• Demonstrated record of scholarly research, including peer-reviewed publications.

• Communication skills sufficient for working with members of a diverse, multidisciplinary research group.

• NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

• Additional details

• Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance. We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.