UC Irvine · 1 day ago
UCI Assistant Project Specialist - Department of Population Health & Disease Prevention
Irvine, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$77K/yr - $98K/yr
5+ years expThe University of California, Irvine is seeking an Assistant Project Specialist in the Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention. The role involves leading independent research in genomic epidemiology, managing a sequencing lab, and mentoring students while contributing to public health studies focused on infectious diseases.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Lead independent research in genomic epidemiology of microbial pathogens, focusing on transmission dynamics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and microbial bioinformatics
Direct 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
Manage lab space, equipment, and reagents
Design and implement sequencing workflows for resource-limited and point-of-care settings
Expand the group’s capacity in molecular and genomic laboratory research to enhance its public health and epidemiological studies
Work on ongoing projects in Ukraine, such as the study of HIV transmission dynamics among forcibly displaced MSM with potential expansion to additional pathogens
Mentor students and trainees, contributing expertise in experimental design, sequencing workflows, and bioinformatics
Develop and lead independent research, initiate new project directions, and apply for research grants both independently and collaboratively (as PI or Co-PI)
Establish and lead sequencing or genomic surveillance projects, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Develop and validate sequencing protocols for infectious disease surveillance
Qualification
Required
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
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V
Cover Letter
Statement of Research
3 required (contact information only)
Preferred
Reflective Teaching and Mentoring Statement - See our guidance for writing a reflective teaching statement
Company
UC Irvine
UC Irvine
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
UC Irvine has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
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2025 (113)
2024 (86)
2023 (99)
2022 (76)
2021 (81)
2020 (79)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
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CEO Roundtable Member
Bob Romney
Chancellor's CEO Roundtable
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