Research Scientist, Center for Translational Medicine

The Center for Translational Medicine at the University of Montana, Missoula MT, is seeking two Staff Scientists to join the collaborative lab of Drs. Blair DeBuysscher and Jay Evans. Be a part of our interactive and multidisciplinary research team dedicated to pioneering the discovery and development of innovative vaccines. Our focus spans a wide spectrum of diseases affecting human health, including COVID-19, monkeypox, Lyme disease, influenza virus, tuberculosis, pertussis, and opioid addiction. Additionally, we study the molecular intricacies of host-pathogen interactions, vaccine-mediated immunity, and their impact on immunopathology and immune-mediated protection.

This is an exciting opportunity to become a valued member of a multidisciplinary vaccine research team. We boast robust funding and extensive connections within academia and industry, offering an environment conducive to impactful discoveries. We are seeking highly motivated candidates equipped with a strong working knowledge of immunology, molecular biology, and/or cell biology laboratory techniques. Proficiency in animal handling and mouse models is highly desirable. Candidates with experience in performing ELISAs, flow cytometry, and cell culture will be favorably considered. Additionally, familiarity with molecular biology and/or bioinformatics is a welcomed asset.

Responsibilities for this position include the design, execution, and analysis of laboratory experiments with varying levels of independence based on experience (see Minimum Position Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities below). Strong communication skills (written and verbal) are expected to maintain effective communication with manager, colleagues, and collaborators.

Embark on an extraordinary journey and become a part of our team of creative and forward-thinking scientists in beautiful Montana. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, our research environment offers not only groundbreaking scientific opportunities but also an unparalleled quality of life. Montana's breathtaking scenery and abundance of outdoor activities provide the perfect backdrop for cultivating fresh ideas and fostering innovation.

Associate Scientist

• Bachelor of Science and greater than five (5) years of applicable lab experience or Masters of Science and less than two (2) years lab experience.
• Designs and executes a laboratory experiments with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills and accurate record keeping skills.
• The ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines across multiple projects.
• Performs data management and analysis with minimum oversight.
• Effectively communicates relevant scientific information to manager and colleagues.
• Reviews scientific literature and recommends new technologies or ideas to colleagues or manager.
• Demonstrates competence with multiple laboratory systems and methods.

Research Scientist

• Bachelor of Science and greater than ten (10) years of applicable lab experience or Masters of Science and greater than five (5) years lab experience.
• Designs and executes a wide range of experiments with minimal or no supervision.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills and accurate record keeping skills.
• The ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines across multiple projects.
• Effectively reviews scientific literature independently and implements new technologies and assay systems into laboratory.
• Performs complex data management and analysis with minimum oversight.
• Prepares detailed and accurate verbal or written summaries of results with interpretation for manager and/or project teams.
• Presents effectively at internal research group meetings.
• Responsible for effectively sharing relevant scientific information with manager and colleagues.
• Coordination of the efforts with technical and scientific staff to achieve project objectives and milestones.
• Technical expert on one or more laboratory systems.

Senior Scientist

• Bachelor of Science and greater than fifteen (15) years of applicable lab experience or Masters of Science and greater than ten (10) years lab experience.
• Has theoretical, practical and technical scientific knowledge of an early career PhD scientist with exceptional technical competencies.
• Oversee day-to-day operations in laboratory including personnel and project management. Effectively manages laboratory technical staff.
• Designs and executes a wide range of experiments independently and proactively incorporates new technologies into practice with minimal or no supervision.
• Performs complex data management and analysis with minimum or no oversight.
• Prepares detailed verbal or written summaries of results with interpretation for manager and/or project teams.
• Writes specific technical sections of internal and external reports with limited supervision.
• Assists in grant and manuscript writing with limited input from supervisor.
• Presents effectively to internal and external meetings.
• Responsible for sharing relevant scientific information from internal and external meetings with appropriate colleagues.
• Established networking skills through interactions with scientists outside of primary project roles.
• Initiates coordination of the efforts of technical and scientific staff to achieve project objectives, and milestones.
• Trains incoming and/or junior scientists on instrumentation and methods.

Additional Information 

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer.  UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking.  Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information. 

Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).