Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job

We seek a talented and dedicated researcher with a background in machine learning, phylogenetics, viral ecology, and bioinformatics, to coordinate multiple projects related to swine viruses and analyze experimental and field data for virus infections in pigs (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus – PRRSV – and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus – PEDV). This person will serve as lab manager for the VanderWaal laboratory, and assist the PI in the coordination and management of numerous projects related to swine diseases.

Work Location: St. Paul Campus

Work Schedule: Full-time with flexible working hours, requires on-site work

Primary Responsibilities:

(85%) Research and data analysis

• Lead research projects related to the evolutionary dynamics of swine viruses utilizing phylodynamic or similar approaches, including working with a wide latitude to make decisions about the appropriate research approach for projects
• Solve complex problems, including determining the appropriate course of action for research projects and providing technical advise to the PI, students, and trainees on data analysis, and evolutionary modeling related to epidemiology and/or phylogenetic analysis.
• Formulates new research questions and designs research projects to address those questions, including grant writing and developing partnerships and collaborations
• Collect and organize data for research activities.
• Collaborate with the PI in the generation and testing of research hypotheses and data analysis, writing of papers, grants, budget management, and reports, and preparation of presentations and lectures.
• Write scientific manuscripts
• Maintain frequent communication with other faculty and collaborators

(15%) Lab management

• Participate in laboratory meetings, seminars, graduate and undergraduate lectures, and conferences as needed.
• Inventory materials, ordering supplies and organization and coordination of meetings and projects.
• Draft grant reports and contribute to budget management

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in epidemiology, veterinary sciences, or bioinformatics

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with swine production systems and swine virology
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular epidemiology, bioinformatics, machine learning, and software development.
• Experience in coordinating multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong organizational, quantitative analysis, project management/budgeting, and writing skills.
• Excellent oral/written communication, leadership and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated ability to work in teams.