The Socio-Molecular Studies (SOMOS) Laboratory led by Dr. Tetyana Vasylyeva in the Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention in the Program in Public Health at the University of California, Irvine, is seeking a qualified Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to a research study analyzing the effects of displacement on HIV transmission dynamics. The postdoctoral scholar position is a full-time, 12-month position with the possibility of extension conditional on satisfactory performance; employment would start on or after 08/01/2024.

Background: Dr. Vasylyeva is leading a five-year study that employs a combination of social network and molecular epidemiology analysis to describe changes in HIV transmission dynamics in networks of men who have sex with men (MSM) as a result of the war in Ukraine. The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with Dr. Vasylyeva to help with molecular epidemiology analyses, develop sequencing protocols for the study, and analyze HIV genetic sequences. This project is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and will be carried out in partnership with researchers at UC San Diego, New York University, and the Alliance for Public Health (Ukraine).

The successful candidate will be expected to: (1) work independently with guidance from the principal investigator and collaborators; (2) develop and implement research plans; (3) develop and test HIV sequencing protocols; (4) assist with sequencing of samples obtained as part of the project; and (5) advance dissemination of study findings for academic and policy audiences. Funds will be available for travel to 1-2 conferences and for travel to Ukraine if necessary.

Conditions of Employment:
-Background check and live scan
-Vaccination policies
-Smoking & Tobacco policy
-Drug free environment

Application Process:

1. Cover letter: Include a brief description of your relevant experience, training, and career goals.
2. Curriculum vitae (include full list of publications)
3. Contact information for three professional references
4. Two writing samples (publications or dissertation chapters)

For more information, please contact Dr. Tetyana Vasylyeva at tvasylye@hs.uci.edu

Qualifications:
Qualified candidate should have a Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Public Health, Evolutionary Biology, or other related biological or medical sciences field. We are specifically seeking applications from candidates with experience with HIV sequence analysis and Nanopore sequencing.

Required Qualifications:
-Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Public Health, Evolutionary Biology, or other related biological or medical sciences field.
-Experience with Nanopore sequencing.
-Strong methodological and data analysis skills (quantitative methods, phylogenetic analysis).
-Highly self-motivated individuals who have demonstrated the ability to conduct independent and collaborative scientific research.
-Demonstrated evidence of strong contributions to scholarship, including peer-reviewed publications.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 nondiscrimination policy.

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.