Entry Level Transmission Specialist Jobs

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

The Zarnitsyna lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory University School of Medicine is recruiting for a new multidisciplinary project on respiratory virus transmission. The project combines video-recorded ferret transmission experiments with machine learning–based behavioral tracking and mechanistic mathematical modeling to determine how contact behavior, contact duration, fomite sharing, and viral shedding together shape infection risk. The long-term goal is to translate this framework to human challenge studies and household cohorts to inform evidence-based mitigation strategies. This position focuses specifically on the mathematical modeling component: building and fitting mechanistic models that link the behavioral tracking data to infection outcomes and viral dynamics.

Mathematical Modeling of Viral Transmission Position Summary. The Zarnitsyna lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work with Dr. Veronika Zarnitsyna on mechanistic modeling of respiratory virus transmission, integrating behavioral data from ferret transmission experiments with within-host viral dynamics. The successful candidate will develop within-host and between-host models of infection and transmission, apply Bayesian and likelihood-based inference methods to fit them to experimental data, and work collaboratively with graduate students, postdocs, and faculty from multidisciplinary fields. Writing papers, presenting at meetings, and mentoring students are also part of the role. The position can start immediately. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Veronika Zarnitsyna at vizarni@emory.edu with a CV, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for three references.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career. The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc. Designs and evaluates experiments. Develops new ideas that promote current research. Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator. May be responsible for operation of specific equipment. May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff. Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee. The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. Appointments cannot exceed five years.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field. Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills. The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues. Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, computational biology, biostatistics, epidemiology, engineering, or a related discipline at the time of appointment.
• Experience with scientific programming in R, Julia, or Python.
• Communication skills sufficient for working with members of a diverse, multidisciplinary research group.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with dynamical systems, stochastic modeling, or statistical inference (e.g., Bayesian methods, MCMC, maximum likelihood).
• Familiarity with infectious disease modeling, within-host viral dynamics, or immunology.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly research, including peer-reviewed publications.

Key Responsibilities: The successful candidate will develop mathematical models of infectious disease dynamics and transmission, perform computational simulations and quantitative analyses, applies statistical inference methods to estimate model parameters from experimental data, and collaborate with experimental and computational research groups.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.