CFA Research Associate

Job Posting Title :

CFA Research Associate

Hiring Department :

Department of Integrative Biology

Position Open To : All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours :

40

FLSA Status : Exempt

Earliest Start Date :

Dec 22, 2025

Position Duration :

Expected to Continue Until Sep 29, 2028

Location : UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details : General Notes

Two (2) Research Associate positions available. Both positions end on September 29, 2028. Positions include a full-time benefits package.

Security sensitive; criminal background check conducted on selected candidates. Hiring decision is contingent upon applicant clearing background requirement.

Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated via an accelerated video interview and decision process.

Purpose

The Meyers Lab and epiENGAGE at The University of Texas at Austin are immediately seeking outstanding research associates to contribute to modeling the spread, surveillance, forecasting, and control of influenza and other infectious diseases. The research aims to elucidate epidemiological dynamics and provide robust insights and tools to support outbreak preparedness and response efforts across the United States.

The research associates will work under the primary supervision and mentorship of Prof. Lauren Ancel Meyers.

We seek candidates with strong quantitative training in one or more of the following areas : (1) modeling of infectious disease dynamics, (2) statistics, machine learning, and AI, or (3) operations research and optimization. Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of infectious disease epidemiology, strong coding skills (Python is preferred), and interdisciplinary research experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and analysis of mathematical models to support the early detection, forecasting, and mitigation of emerging infectious disease outbreaks, including seasonal and pandemic influenza

Contribute to the development of outbreak modeling tools and training resources for public health professionals

Disseminate this work through direct engagement with scientists and public health professionals, as well as peer-reviewed publications

Required Qualifications

Candidates must have completed a PhD in a quantitative science, statistics, computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a related discipline. The position will also require the ability to work quickly on time-sensitive analyses and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

Several years of experience in designing, validating, and applying mathematical models of outbreak dynamics and control. Experience collaborating with diverse communities and public health professionals.

Salary Range

$70,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Flexible work arrangement possible

Occasional evenings and weekends required

May work around standard office conditions

Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

Work Shift

Flexible : 40 hours / week is required, and most of this time should be during normal business hours (e.g., 9 : 00am-5 : 00pm), although numbers of hours / day and days / week can be negotiated and may change depending on what projects are being pursued.

Required Materials

Resume / CV

Cover Letter

Minimum of three (3) letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of the University of Texas at Austin.

PhD Verification (Examples of official documentation of the degree include : Copy of diploma (preferred) or official English translation of diploma, Copy of a letter of completion on letterhead from the office of the registrar or graduate office confirming completion of degree requirements, Copy of official transcript in English with "degree awarded" information.)

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers : You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers : As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility :

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion / transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility :

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks :

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer :

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer ,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency :

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification :

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify :

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following :

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance :

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031 .

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.