Research Scientist, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health

The Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health is seeking a talented and passionate mathematician to support ongoing microbiologic bioinformatics analysis to develop and explore unique approaches to understanding biologic systems of pathogen genomic evolution. Briefly, the focus of the Mathers’s laboratory is to apply innovative whole genome sequencing techniques to understand transmission of genes of drug resistance across small and large data sets.  Through additional molecular resolution from whole genome sequence data it became clear that there was an unrecognized reservoir for transmission of carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales within our hospital; the premise plumbing. Through funding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention we study the bacterial dynamics around antibiotic resistant pathogen transmission from the environment to patients at molecular and epidemiologic levels. The individual will integrate their knowledge and experience into current research and clinical efforts in analyzing large-scale genomic data with a focus on its applications in the field of microbiology for both clinical and public health use. Research will be the primary focus but there may be a small component of mentoring students in addition to sharing methods and ideas with other team members.

Candidate will need a background in mathematics and applications to biological systems.  Looking to advance mathematic applications to large data sets of bacterial genomics to understand and develop methodologies to understand antimicrobial resistance gene movement via mobile genetic elements.  Ideally, they would have experience in discrete and topographical mathematical models of biological systems.  In addition, experience in developing efficient algorithms for co-mobilization patterns among plasmids and genomes would be desired.  In the position, the scientist will work collaboratively with the team using long and short-read data to anticipate and build evolutionary models for AMR gene movement, which could have wide applications to horizontal gene transfer among bacteria.  They will work closely with Amy Mathers and the bioinformatic team to develop bioinformatic and epidemiologic tools to describe the movement of an antimicrobial resistance gene (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) through a curated bacterial population of Enterobacterales in patients and the environment.  In addition, experience and expertise in bioinformatic tools and data would be optimal. This position is supported by the Centers for Disease Control to provide developed tools to the public health network. To accomplish this, the hire will be expected to attend network meetings, as well as attending the Mathers weekly lab meeting and meeting bi-weekly with Dr. Mathers one-on-one.  This position would be largely in person.  There will be an expectation to provide assistance in testing and deployment of bioinformatic tools, as well as writing manuscripts, contributing to additional grant writing, and presentations for sharing findings based on the work. 

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Requires a doctoral degree in mathematics/applied mathematics or master’s degree with significant experience.
 

Preferred Requirements:

Experience in working on applications in applying mathematical approaches to biologic systems.

This position is located in Charlottesville, VA. This is an exempt level, benefitted position. This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance. The position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.  A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position.

To Apply:

Please apply here .  Internal applicants must apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs,” and search for “R0057568.”

Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Contact information for 3 references

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Recruiter, at [email protected] .

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/ .

For more information on benefits, please visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.