CIDRAP Researcher 6 - CVR

University of Minnesota

Job Title CIDRAP Researcher 6
Job Code 9792PH
Location Twin Cities (preferred)
Time This is a 50% FTE position

About the Job:
The person in this position will function as part of a senior-level team that is leading a monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment (ME&A) program based on the comprehensive coronavirus vaccines research and development (R&D) roadmap (CVR) for broadly protective coronavirus vaccines. To learn more about the CVR, see: https://cvr.cidrap.umn.edu/.

The team includes the CIDRAP director, the CIDRAP director of research, and several researchers. This is a 3-year project that includes the following high-level activities: (1) participate in a small steering group that will guide the overall project; (2) coordinate and participate in a taskforce of global subject matter experts (SMEs) that will provide regular project input; (3) conduct ongoing literature reviews, landscape analyses, and expert interviews organized around the goals and milestones in the CVR; (4) track progress towards the goals and milestones in the CVR and vaccine candidates in the R&D pipeline; (5) develop and maintain an online reference database of current literature organized by CVR topic (e.g., immunology, virology, vaccinology) (modeled off CIDRAP's IVR Resources site: https://ivr.cidrap.umn.edu/resources); (6) develop and maintain an online database of broadly protective coronavirus vaccine candidates in preclinical and clinical development (modeled off CIDRAP's Universal Influenza Vaccine Technology Landscape: https://ivr.cidrap.umn.edu/universal-influenza-vaccine-technology-landscape); (7) participate in a revision of the CVR roadmap in year 3 to reflect progress towards the roadmap goals and milestones; (8) serve as the technical lead on specific projects related to the CVR; and (9) evaluate and disseminate relevant data via progress reports, publishing results in peer-reviewed scientific literature, presentations at scientific meetings and conferences, and other public-facing venues (e.g., media reports).

The incumbent is expected to function highly independently, with minimal supervision, and has the ability to operate with broad latitude in addressing the complex issues required in performing the job duties. The incumbent is also expected to independently generate a number of manuscripts related to the CVR, and potentially other topics, for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Duties and Essential Functions:
1. Interpret complex scientific literature related to coronavirus vaccines development and track progress towards the goals and milestones of the CVR and vaccine candidates in the R&D pipeline. (30% time)
2. Participate in the development and maintenance of databases of (1) available scientific research and publications on coronavirus vaccines and (2) broadly protective coronavirus vaccine candidates. (20% time)
3. Lead workgroups of internationally recognized SMEs in research, manufacturing, and development of coronavirus vaccines and participate in meetings and consultations related to the CVR project. (10%)
4. Develop and present materials to disseminate project results through scientific meetings, conferences, and peer-reviewed scientific literature related to the CVR and VIP projects. (25%)
5. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor. (15%)

Required Qualifications:
* PhD in infectious diseases, immunology, vaccinology, or related field.
* Understanding of public health policy issues and policy development as related to prevention and control of infectious diseases.
* A working understanding of coronaviruses, coronavirus epidemiology, and coronavirus vaccine development.
* A working understanding of the epidemiology infectious diseases in general, and vaccine-preventable diseases specifically, in order to provide the advanced expertise necessary to generate highly technical, scientific content related to CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project.
* Understanding of fundamental epidemiologic principles and methods, including study design, effect measures, and statistical analyses.
* Ability to conduct in-depth, critical reviews of scientific information and assess the relevance of such information to evidence reviews and other scientific publications produced by CIDRAP.
* Exceptional writing skills with demonstrated ability: (1) to produce clear, concise scientific writing; (2) to convey technical material in a comprehensible and intelligible way to a range of professional audiences; (3) to synthesize complex information accurately; and (4) to write content appropriate for professional publication in a peer-reviewed journal, as evidenced by prior publications.
* Ability to create, manage, and analyze Access and Excel databases.
* Demonstrated ability to exhibit professional interpersonal, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary communication skills (as evidenced by working on cross-disciplinary teams).
* Ability to present information orally at national or international meetings, as evidence by prior presentations at such meetings.
* Ability to complete work accurately and independently.
* Ability to lead project teams, committees, or other collaborative efforts.
* Ability to travel several times per year, including internationally.

Preferred Qualifications:
* In-depth understanding of methods, processes, and challenges related to research, manufacturing, and development of coronavirus vaccines.
* In-depth understanding of coronavirus virology, immunology, and pathogenesis.
* Experience conducting systematic literature reviews and synthesizing findings for publication.
* Prior experience working in a higher education /non-profit research environment
* Experience working directly with international groups in the public health arena, including multilateral organizations.

The mission of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) is to prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and the translation of scientific information into real-world, practical applications, policies, and solutions. CIDRAP has a strong Web presence through the CIDRAP website and CIDRAP News. Each business day professionals worldwide turn to CIDRAP News for up-to-date information supported by analysis, insights, and perspective not available anywhere else. The website also contains a range of resources on infectious disease-related topics. CIDRAP addresses a variety of public health policy issues related to prevention and control of infectious diseases, include vaccine-related issues, emerging infectious disease threats, development of R&D roadmaps, antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, and bioterrorism/pandemic/emergency preparedness.

Pay Range: $53,750-$60,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Time Appointment

Work Profile: This position can be designated as work profile 3 or 4:

Profile 3 - Mostly Remote. Time spent working remotely is consistently 50% or more. Collaborative or shared on campus work space to be provided while on campus.

Profile 4 - Fully Remote. Time spent working remotely is 100% with occasional but inconsistent presence in UMN locations. Collaborative or shared on campus work space to be provided while on campus.

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Retirement plans
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. Visa sponsorship, including H-1B, may be considered for qualified candidates whose visa circumstances do not require payment of the $100,000 H-1B fee.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.