Senior Scientist

Senior Research Scientist

Influenza Transmission and Animal Models

The Wan Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory at the University of Missouri is seeking highly motivated Research Scientists or Senior Research Scientists to join a rapidly expanding interdisciplinary research program focused on influenza viruses, airborne transmission biology, animal models, and vaccinology.

The laboratory integrates experimental, computational, engineering, and translational approaches to study influenza viruses and related respiratory pathogens, with goals of understanding transmission dynamics, improving vaccines and therapeutic strategies, and advancing epidemic and pandemic preparedness, using both human studies and animal models. Major research areas include influenza transmission biology, host-pathogen interactions, pathogenesis, vaccine development and evaluation, host immune responses, and high-throughput experimental and laboratory automation platforms.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in infectious disease research programs involving pig and ferret animal models, airborne transmission studies, influenza vaccine evaluation, virology, immunology, and interdisciplinary collaborative research initiatives. Candidates with expertise in influenza virology, respiratory viruses, airborne or aerosol transmission research, animal infection models, vaccinology, immunology, or related areas are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Wan Laboratory is affiliated with the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine ; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering ; and Department of Pathobiology and Integrative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri. The laboratory is also affiliated with the Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID) , Bond Life Sciences Center , and the Institute for Data Science and Informatics.

The laboratory has access to extensive state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including newly established ABSL-2 animal transmission research facilities, BSL-3 and ABSL-3 biocontainment facilities, advanced laboratory automation systems, and institutional core facilities supporting genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, imaging, bioinformatics, and computational biology.

Responsibilities may include:

• Designing and conducting influenza transmission and vaccine studies
• Leading and coordinating interdisciplinary influenza research projects
• Conducting virology, immunology, and animal model experiments using pig and/or ferret systems
• Analyzing and interpreting experimental data
• Contributing to manuscripts, grant applications, and collaborative publications
• Mentoring students and junior research personnel

This position offers opportunities for scientific leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career development within a rapidly expanding influenza research program.

Minimum qualifications include a PhD, DVM, MD, or equivalent degree in virology, microbiology, immunology, veterinary sciences, biomedical sciences, or related disciplines. Prior postdoc training is preferred. Prior experience with influenza viruses, pig or ferret models, airborne transmission studies, respiratory viruses, vaccine studies, or infectious disease animal models is strongly preferred.

Competitive salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To apply, please submit application materials through the University of Missouri HR website (Job ID 59277), including:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Brief statement of research interests
• Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For questions regarding the position, please contact  View email address on jobs.sciencecareers.org .

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to developing a diverse and inclusive academic community.