Staff Scientist

The Staff Scientist (physician-scientist track) will support multidisciplinary research aligned with the CZI Biohub grand challenges, driving long-horizon, high-impact scientific breakthroughs at the intersection of AI and biology. This role will help design, execute, and translate innovative experimental and computational work that advances next-generation tools for understanding and improving human health by dissecting cellular behavior, inflammation, and immune-based disease mechanisms. The Staff Scientist will collaborate closely with Meharry investigators, trainees, and external partners to move high-impact projects from concept to publication and funding.

Essential Functions:

• The Staff Scientist will contribute to projects that aim to:
• Build AI-based virtual cell models to predict and understand cellular behavior.
• Develop novel imaging technologies to map, measure, and model complex biological systems.
• Create new tools for real-time sensing and measurement of inflammation within tissues.
• Harness the immune system for early detection, prevention, and treatment of disease.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct experiments supporting CZI-aligned research priorities.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret high-quality biological and imaging datasets.
• Collaborate with computational and AI/ML teams to connect experimental results with predictive models.
• Contribute to manuscripts, abstracts, and grant applications.
• Support mentoring and training of students and research staff as needed.
• Maintain rigorous compliance with research, biosafety, and data integrity standards

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Strong foundation in cell biology, immunology, systems biology, or related biomedical disciplines.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled biology and/or quantitative approaches to complex biological data.
• Experience with advanced experimental methods relevant to immune function, inflammation, and tissue biology.
• Ability to generate, manage, and interpret high-dimensional datasets (e.g., imaging, multi-omics).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
• Excellent skills in writing clear, engaging, and persuasive text appropriate to target audiences, while ensuring adherence to sponsor's guidelines.
• Good attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective verbal and written communication.
• Familiarity with private and federal research agencies, especially NIH.
• Knowledge of federal policies pertinent to federal grants and proposals.
• Familiarity with the academic research environment.
• Effective collaboration skills.
• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Receptive to constructive criticism
• Demonstrated skills in organizing, prioritizing and scheduling complex work assignments.
• Knowledge of common computer application programs (e.g., office software, spreadsheets, databases, web CMS)
• Strong analytical/problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:

• Experience contributing to AI-informed modeling efforts (virtual cell or related predictive frameworks).
• Familiarity with advanced imaging platforms and/or real-time sensing modalities.
• Exposure to systems immunology, inflammation biology, or translational therapy.
• Experience with collaborative multi-site programs or large-scale research initiatives.
• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
• Excellent skills in writing clear, engaging, and persuasive text appropriate to target audiences, while ensuring adherence to sponsor's guidelines.
• Good attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective verbal and written communication.
• Familiarity with research agencies, especially NIH.
• Knowledge of federal policies pertinent to federal grants and proposals.
• Familiarity with the academic research environment.
• Effective collaboration skills.
• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Receptive to constructive criticism
• Demonstrated skills in organizing, prioritizing and scheduling complex work assignments.
• Knowledge of common computer application programs (e.g., office software, spreadsheets, databases, web CMS)
• Strong analytical/problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Education and Experience Required:

• Advanced degrees of MD and Ph.D. in a relevant biomedical, computational, or engineering discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 five years of postdoctoral or equivalent research track record with demonstrated productivity of high-impact peer-reviewed publications.
• Exposure to AI/ML-enabled biology, advanced imaging, systems immunology, or inflammation biology.
• Experience with multi-omics or high-dimensional data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience working in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent scientific communication and organizational skills.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Experience in scientific proposal development
• Experience in facilitating workshops or training courses.
• Experience in developing and maintaining online resources and tools.

Licensure, Certification or Registration Required:

         N/A