Postdoctoral Research Assistant- Seifert

Available Title(s):

306-YN_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Business Title:

Postdoctoral Research Assistant- Seifert

Employee Type:

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Position Details:

Dr. Stephanie N. Seifert has a postdoctoral research associate position in collaboration with the NSF BII: Viral Emergence Research Institute (https://www.viralemergence.org/) within the Molecular Ecology of Zoonotic and Animal Pathogens Lab (https://labs.wsu.edu/mezap/) in the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health.

Summary of Duties:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for advancing research projects for publication aimed at modeling the bat virome and decomposing the molecular basis of virus-host compatibilities. This position involves extensive analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data from various sources, including in vitro experimental data generated in the MEZAP lab. The associate will contribute to feature engineering of molecular data to develop innovative machine learning models to predict host-virus compatibility. The associate will contribute to workflows in R and/or python using GitHub and work as part of an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative team including virologists, evolutionary biologists, ecologists, and computational biologists. The associate will attend MEZAP lab meetings, Verena team-wide meetings, and departmental seminars at WSU. Opportunities for scientific conference attendance and in-person Verena team meetings will be made available for the associate.

Required Qualifications:

• A recent Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biology, Virology, Microbiology, Genetics, or a closely related field with a robust focus on genomic data analysis.

• Hands-on experience with genomic and transcriptomic data analysis, proficient in utilizing bioinformatic software and tools (e.g., R and/or Python).

• Demonstrated ability to model complex biological systems and integrate multi-omic data.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a proven track record of publishing scientific results.

• Capable of conducting independent research and managing a project from conception through to execution.

• Strong attention to detail with a critical thinking approach to problem-solving and research development.

• Ability to work with and contribute to diverse teams and promote an inclusive working culture

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong foundation in virology, particularly in studying virus-host interactions and zoonotic diseases.

• Experience in ecological modeling and high-dimensional data representations (e.g., embeddings).

• Advanced skills in applying machine learning algorithms to biological datasets.

• Proven track record of effective collaboration within interdisciplinary teams, including working with ecologists and geneticists.

• Experience in overseeing research projects, including budget management and mentorship of junior researchers.

• Strong statistical analysis skills, with the ability to apply these methods to biological data.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

College of Veterinary Medicine

Department Name:

Paul Allen School for Global Health

City, State, Zip:

Pullman, WA 99163

Department Link:

Paul G. Allen School for Global Health

Annual Salary: $70,000 - $79,000

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty please review the summary of benefits for WSU Faculty and Total Compensation

Overtime Eligibility:

Overtime eligible.

FTE: 100%

Temporary End Date:

This is a temporary position expected to end on August 31, 2025. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Application Instructions:

Applicants must upload all required documents listed below to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications.

• External candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/CV" section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/Cover Letter" section of your application.

• All documents must be attached before submitting the application. The application cannot be edited once submitted.

• Documents may be submitted in one file or separate files.

• Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF if possible.

• Applicants will be requested to provide contact information for professional references within the online application.

Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.