The Center for Translational Medicine at the University of Montana is seeking a research scientist 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, 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.

Join our multidisciplinary team and play a pivotal role in the advancement of next-generation adjuvants and vaccines. We're looking for driven individuals passionate about designing and developing innovative adjuvants and vaccines. Ideally, candidates will possess a robust understanding of immunology or molecular biology, along with hands-on experience in techniques crucial for investigating cell-mediated immunity, cell signaling, and receptor/ligand interactions. Proficiency in mouse handling, flow cytometry, and bioinformatics analysis would be highly advantageous. Embark on a new 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.

Based on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications, the position may be hired at the assistant, associate, scientist or senior scientist level.

Assistant Scientist

• Designs and execute laboratory experiments with supervision.
• Perform some data management and analysis.
• Effectively communicates relevant scientific information to managers and colleagues.

Associate Scientist

• Designs and execute laboratory experiments with minimal supervision.
• Performs data management and analysis with minimum oversight.
• Effectively communicates relevant scientific information to managers and colleagues.
• Reviews scientific literature and recommends new technologies or ideas to colleagues or managers.

Research Scientist

• Designs and executes a wide range of experiments with minimal or no supervision.
• 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.
• Shares relevant scientific information with manager and colleagues.
• Coordinates efforts with technical and scientific staff to achieve project objectives and milestones.

Senior Scientist

• Oversee day-to-day operations in laboratory including personnel and project management.
• 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.
• 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.

Assistant Scientist

• Bachelor of Science and less than five (5) years of applicable lab experience.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills and accurate record keeping skills.

Associate Scientist

• Bachelor of Science and more than five (5) years of applicable lab experience or Master of Science and less than two (2) years of relevant lab experience.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills and accurate record keeping skills.
• The ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines across multiple projects.
• Competence with multiple laboratory systems and methods.

Research Scientist

• Bachelor of Science and more than ten (10) years of applicable lab experience or Master of Science and more than five (5) years lab experience.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills and accurate record keeping skills.
• The ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines across multiple projects.
• Technical expert on one or more laboratory systems.

Senior Scientist

• Bachelor of Science and greater than fifteen (15) years of applicable lab experience or Master of Science and greater than ten (10) years lab experience.
• Ability to effectively manage laboratory technical staff.
• Has theoretical, practical and technical scientific knowledge of an early career PhD scientist with exceptional technical competencies.
• Established networking skills through interactions with scientists outside of primary project roles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of immunology, bioinformatics, and/or multi-omics analysis.
• Previous experience with one or more of the following techniques; cell culture, molecular biology, animal handling and procedures, flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a larger team framework
  to design, execute, and interpret experiments crucial to the development of novel
  vaccines and immunotherapeutic.
• Proficiency in accurate record-keeping methodologies.
• Eagerness to learn and apply new skills appropriate to conduct necessary
  research.
• Strong publication record and excellent communication skills are desirable.

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.

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.

To apply, please upload the following materials:

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed CV listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

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.

Background check is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to background investigations per UM's policy and procedure.

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 within 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). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.