Department

BSD E&E - Administration

About the Department

The Cobey Lab is a computational lab that studies the interplay of immunity and the population dynamics of respiratory viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2. We explore how immune responses arise after infection and vaccination and shape viral epidemiology and evolution. Our aim is to use this information to improve vaccination strategies. We are looking for quantitative Computational Research Scientists to work on multiple projects. Projects include (a) modeling the longitudinal dynamics of individual immune responses, (b) examining variability in individuals’ responses, and (c) improving methods to measure vaccine effectiveness. These projects involve close collaboration with epidemiologists, immunologists, ecologists, and evolutionary biologists, including through the NIH-funded Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Consortium (CIVIC), the Centers for Excellence in Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR), and other NIH-funded research projects. These positions offer substantial opportunities for intellectual creativity, collaboration, and leadership. Remote, U.S.-based work is an option. Salaries are competitive and based on experience. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the lab’s website and to contact Dr. Cobey with questions.

Job Summary

The job develops and implements programs to promote a research project or contributes to the scientific direction of a research resource. We are looking for quantitative Computational Research Scientists to work on multiple projects. Projects include (a) modeling the longitudinal dynamics of individual immune responses, (b) examining variability in individuals’ responses, and (c) improving methods to measure vaccine effectiveness. These projects involve close collaboration with epidemiologists, immunologists, ecologists, and evolutionary biologists, including through the NIH-funded Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Consortium (CIVIC), the Centers for Excellence in Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR), and other NIH-funded research projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform reproducible computational and statistical analyses related to the lab’s research.

• Summarize research results in writing (scientific publications, progress reports) and in oral presentations at meetings and conferences.

• Develop new statistical and programming skills and expertise with literature relevant to research project.

• Collaborate with the PI to assist in managing the research project, including training and mentoring students, postdocs, and other researchers; setting project goals; and coordinating research with investigators outside the lab.

• Develop new research projects to enhance existing collaborations and develop new ones.

• Develop programs to perform analyses and generate both routine and ad hoc reports.

• Designs and perform formal evaluation of informatics methods and products.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in related field, such as (bio)statistics, epidemiology, ecology, evolution, computer science, or (bio)physics.

Experience:

• 5-7 years of experience (including PhD training).

Preferred Competencies

• Strong quantitative skills, including in statistical inference.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Commitment to rigorous and reproducible research.

• Experience managing projects with multiple collaborating labs, including delivering results on deadline.

Working Conditions

• The role requires the ability to travel to meetings in the United States and abroad, including occasional lab retreats and meetings, if otherwise working remotely. (Travel expenses for research meetings outside Chicago will be covered).

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required) describing qualifications and research interests

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

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