UCI Assistant Project Specialist - Department of Population Health & Disease Prevention

The Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention in the Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health at the University of California, Irvine invites applications for a full-time Project Scientist position in the research group of Dr. Tetyana Vasylyeva.

Dr. Vasylyeva's group conducts global health research focused on genomic and socio-behavioral epidemiology, with particular emphasis on HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among migrant and forcibly displaced populations. The Project Scientist will lead independent research in genomic epidemiology of microbial pathogens, focusing on the transmission dynamics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and microbial bioinformatics. The position includes directing a sequencing research lab, leading the development, optimization, and validation of cost-effective and portable sequencing protocols using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) for bacterial and viral pathogen genomic surveillance, and managing lab space, equipment, and reagents. This role also involves designing and implementing sequencing workflows for resource-limited and point-of-care settings, expanding the group's capacity in molecular and genomic laboratory research to enhance its public health and epidemiological studies.

The Project Scientist will work with Dr. Tetyana Vasylyeva on ongoing projects in Ukraine such as the study of HIV transmission dynamics among forcibly displaced MSM with potential expansion to additional pathogens. The candidate will also mentor students and trainees, contributing expertise in experimental design, sequencing workflows, and bioinformatics.

Importantly, the Project Scientist is expected to develop and lead independent research, initiate new project directions, and apply for research grants both independently and collaboratively (as PI or Co-PI). Candidates are expected to have experience in establishing and leading sequencing or genomic surveillance projects, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and in developing and validating sequencing protocols for infectious disease surveillance. A strong publication record demonstrating these competencies is required.

We are seeking to hire a highly motivated and dedicated scientist with strong expertise in genomic surveillance, ONT sequencing and microbial bioinformatics. The candidate will have excellent organisational, analytical, and communication skills, along with a proven ability to lead independent research and to work in Ukraine and other remote or field-based settings. The position is renewable, contingent on satisfactory performance and funding availability. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The Wen Public Health recognizes the value of diversity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply. Qualified applicants must have the demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of colleagues.

School: https://publichealth.uci.edu/

Department: https://publichealth.uci.edu/departments/population-health-disease-prevention/

UALIFICATIONS

* Ph.D. degree in biology, microbiology, public health, or other related terminal degree in a related field with a focus on infectious disease genomics and epidemiology.

* Knowledge and skills related to genomic and metagenomic sequencing, including development, optimization, and validation of sequencing protocols for pathogen genomic surveillance and portable ONT sequencing technologies.

* Proven experience in analyzing genomic and epidemiological data to study pathogen transmission dynamics, AMR, and microbial population structure.

* Experience in bioinformatics and statistical analysis, including phylogenetic and phylodynamic tools (e.g., minimap2, samtools, medaka, Flye, IQTREE, BEAST).

* Knowledge of Linux-based environments and familiarity with statistical environments such as Python or R for data visualization and modelling.

* Experience in establishing and managing a sequencing lab, including handling clinical samples, nucleic acid extraction, primer design, PCR, gel electrophoresis, library prep, maintenance of reagents and equipment, and design and validation of laboratory workflows and protocols.

* Knowledge and skills related to research project management, research methods, data collection, and proposal and manuscript writing.

* Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills

* Solid organizational skills, including multitasking and time-management

* Strong teamwork skills

* Prior experience conducting genomic surveillance research or implementing sequencing projects is required.

* Ability and willingness to travel in Ukraine and conduct field work, including implementation of sequencing and training activities in collaboration with local partners.

• 3 required (contact information only)

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• 
  APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
  
  

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.