National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Labs, Hamilton, MT

Position Description:

A postdoctoral IRTA position on field ecology of emerging viruses is available in the Virus Ecology Unit within the Laboratory of Virology at the RML campus of NIAID in Hamilton, Montana. The laboratory studies the ecology of high- and maximum-containment RNA viruses and is currently focused on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Virus Ecology Section is interested in the identification and understanding of the drivers of zoonotic transmission for emerging viruses. The laboratory uses a combined field ecological and experimental laboratory approach to understand the emergence of novel viruses and develop successful medical countermeasures against these viruses. Fundamental experimental approaches of the laboratory include molecular-, cellular-, and immunological-based techniques along with animal models of pathogenesis and transmission. Studies are carried out in biosafety level (BSL) 2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories. The lab has several well developed long-term international study sites in the Middle East and Africa, including NIAID’s International Centers for Excellence in Research sites. The work will be conducted with several international stakeholders, including WHO, OIE, and MSF. The Virus Ecology Section considers diversity and inclusion the centerpiece of the team’s culture.

Successful applicants will be part of a diverse and multidisciplinary team focused on understanding the molecular and ecological determinants of spillover from bats and other animal species to humans and the determinants for onward human-to-human transmission of newly identified emerging viruses including coronaviruses, arenaviruses, filoviruses, and henipaviruses.

An overview of the Virus Ecology Section’s most recent research with regards to ecology of emerging viruses includes:

• Long-term wildlife mortality surveillance in northern Congo: a model for the detection of Ebola virus disease epizootics. Philos T R Soc B. 2019
• Serological Evidence for Henipa-like and Filo-like Viruses in Trinidad Bats. J Infect Dis. 2020
• Functional assessment of cell entry and receptor usage for SARS-CoV-2 and other lineage B betacoronaviruses. Nat Microbiol. 2020
• Bat-borne virus diversity, spillover and emergence. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2020
• Limited genetic diversity detected in Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus variants circulating in dromedary camels in Jordan. Viruses 2021

Highly motivated candidates who have a strong background in molecular biology, genomics, computational biology, and disease ecology field research are encouraged to apply. Experience working in field ecology, infectious disease (including mathematical modeling), and genomics would be considered an advantage.

Well-developed oral and written communication skills are essential. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in virology, molecular biology, or another appropriate discipline and have less than 3 years of postdoctoral experience. Applicants may be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or international citizens (for an IRTA, visa requirements apply). Trainees will receive health insurance as well as a stipend (commensurate with experience).

Applicants should send their curriculum vitae (CV), a letter expressing career goals and interests, and three letters of reference with contact information to Kay Menk, Laboratory Operations Specialist, Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, 903 S 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, 406-375-9624 (phone), 406-375-9620 (fax), or email

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RML is a NIAID campus with excellent genomic, electron microscopic, and veterinary core support that enables scientists to completely focus on their research. Located in the scenic Bitterroot Valley of western Montana, RML is surrounded by some of the best hiking, skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, and trout fishing in North America.

Visit NIAID Careers for more information about working in NIAID’s dynamic atmosphere!

Application Deadline: October 8, 2022

HHS, NIH, and NIAID are equal opportunity employers dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion.