The Cobey Lab is currently seeking computational postdocs and research scientists to study the development of protective antibody responses to influenza, the antigenic evolution of influenza viruses, universal vaccines and vaccination strategies, and their intersection. Researchers can work closely with our collaborators in immunology, virology, and epidemiology in developing biologically grounded statistical models to investigate these dynamics. There are several projects available and exciting opportunities to develop new methods and theory. The projects span molecular evolution of proteins and cell populations to statistical infectious disease modeling. Funding comes from a R01 to study influenza dynamics in childhood (2019-2024) and two grants/contracts to develop new universal influenza vaccines (a Gates Grand Challenge award, 2019-2021, and a NIH-funded Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Center, 2019-2026).

Successful applicants will have strong quantitative skills and an established record of productive research. They will have a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., applied math, computer science, ecology and evolution, epidemiology, physics, statistics) or will be on track to obtain one before joining the lab. They must have strong written and oral communication skills and commitment to working as part of a constructive, productive, multidisciplinary team.

Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Partially remote working arrangements are also possible.

To apply for a postdoctoral position, please email a cover letter, CV, contact information for three references, and two or three relevant publications/preprints to Sarah Cobey at cobey@uchicago.edu. In the cover letter, please describe the problems that interest you.

To apply for a longer-term position as a research scientist/programmer, please apply as a

Computational Research Scientist (https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Hyde-Park-Campus/Computational-Research-Scientist_JR06139)

or as a

Senior Computational Research Scientist (https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Hyde-Park-Campus/Senior-Computational-Research-Scientist_JR06161) if you would prefer more management responsibilities.

Those ads mostly contain stock language over which I have little control (I can only edit "Unit-preferred competencies" and "About the unit"). Basically, they are research-focused positions tailored around our mutual interests. "Related experience in scientific research" includes any undergraduate research training.

People who do not currently have a PhD or are unsure about their qualifications are welcome to contact me.

Application review will continue until the positions are filled.