Postdoctoral Research Associate – Infectious Diseases Full-time

Position Summary

A Mathematical Epidemiology/Infectious Disease Modeling position is available in the Mitreva Lab with the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and McDonnell Genome Institute at WashU Medicine. The candidate will join an established and successful research group focused on integrating 'multi-omics' approaches aimed at understanding diseases at a systems biology level. The position requires working collaboratively with a team of experimental and computational biologists to integrate genetic and genomic data with mathematical modeling to better understand the transmission dynamics of parasitic infections and the evolutionary and genetic processes that shape their epidemiology. The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to NIH-funded projects aimed at developing and applying molecular genetic approaches to distinguish the causes of infection resurgence and persistence (e.g., recrudescence, new infection, poor drug response, parasite migration). The primary focus will be on integrating genetic data into epidemiological models of lymphatic filariasis to estimate the likelihood and pace of resurgence and to support surveillance and programmatic decision-making. The candidate will lead the mathematical modeling of lymphatic filariasis transmission and will have opportunities to travel and present at national and international conferences.

WashU Medicine is one of the two main campuses of WashU in St. Louis, a private research university founded in 1853. Dr. Mitreva is faculty at the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and the lab is housed in the McDonnell Genome Institute, which has been at the forefront of genome research since its inception in 1993. We are a world-leader in genomics research as it applies to the study of model organisms and human biology, infections, genetic diseases, and the field of personalized medicine. We provide a value-added biologically and clinically relevant sequence analysis, and foster public understanding of science through various educational and outreach efforts.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):

• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research.
• Assists in the design of research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of the results.
• Conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Working Conditions:

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range:

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions:

Interested candidates should email cover letter, curriculum vitae, summary of their research, two key first author publication and contact information for three recent references to Dr. Mitreva: mmitreva@wustl.edu.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Certifications /Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree (Ph.D.) in mathematical epidemiology or a related field.
• Solid background in mathematical and statistical modelling in infectious diseases.
• Outstanding drive, eagerness, scientific imagination, and self-motivation.
• Experience in statistical and population genetics is particularly encouraged.
• Familiarity with mathematical transmission models for neglected tropical diseases, including those for lymphatic filariasis (e.g., TRANSFIL, EPIFIL, GEOFIL).
• Proficient in R and familiarity with other programming languages (Python, Java, C++).
• Comfortable working on UNIX/Linux platform.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website to view a summary of benefits.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.