Assistant Academic Research Scientist | School of Medicine - Pediatrics

Emory University•Atlanta, GA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community. Description KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Under minimal supervision, the Assistant Academic Research Scientist performs a wide range of highly technical and complex tasks necessary to advance basic and/or translational research programs. Responsible for working with experimental platforms specific to the hiring Program. Duties will include but are not limited to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation and communication of results of basic and/or translational research. Will be required to review literature and apply advanced knowledge, skills, and input necessary for protocol development. May assist in grant and other funding applications, as necessary and appropriate. With the approval of the responsible Emory faculty director, the Assistant Academic Research Scientist may serve as the principal investigator on funded (grant) proposals. Performs other responsibilities as required. ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS: Design and perform laboratory experiments involving live viral agents requiring BSL-2+ and BSL-3 containment. Develop, optimize, and implement protocols for viral culture, characterization, quantification, and manipulation. Conduct antiviral efficacy assays, viral titration assays (e.g., plaque assays, TCID50), neutralization assays, and molecular analyses (qPCR, ELISA, etc). Analyze and interpret experimental data; assist in preparation of manuscripts, reports, and grant applications. Maintain strict compliance with BSL-2+ and BSL-3 biosafety practices, including proper use of PPE, decontamination procedures, waste management, and regulatory documentation. Ensure adherence to institutional, NIH and CDC regulations, where applicable. Maintain laboratory supplies, viral inventories, and assist with equipment maintenance and certification (e.g., biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges). Train and mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory staff in virology experimental techniques and high-containment best practices. Perform related responsibilities as required to support the research mission of the lab.

Requirements

PhD OR master's degree and two years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab OR bachelor's degree and four years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab.
Laboratory experience should be related to area of assignment.
Internship experience or experience prior to attaining the qualifying degree is not considered eligible work experience for this job classification.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of postdoctoral or equivalent professional research experience in virology.
Demonstrated hands-on experience working in BSL-2+ and BSL-3 laboratory environments.
Experience handling high-containment or high-consequence viral pathogens.
Experience in virus-like particle (VLP) production and purification.
Proficiency in molecular virology techniques, mammalian cell culture, and viral quantification assays.
Experience with antiviral testing and evaluation studies.

Responsibilities

Experimental design
Data analysis
Interpretation and communication of results of basic and/or translational research
Review literature and apply advanced knowledge, skills, and input necessary for protocol development
Assist in grant and other funding applications, as necessary and appropriate
Serve as the principal investigator on funded (grant) proposals
Design and perform laboratory experiments involving live viral agents requiring BSL-2+ and BSL-3 containment
Develop, optimize, and implement protocols for viral culture, characterization, quantification, and manipulation
Conduct antiviral efficacy assays, viral titration assays (e.g., plaque assays, TCID50), neutralization assays, and molecular analyses (qPCR, ELISA, etc)
Analyze and interpret experimental data
Assist in preparation of manuscripts, reports, and grant applications
Maintain strict compliance with BSL-2+ and BSL-3 biosafety practices, including proper use of PPE, decontamination procedures, waste management, and regulatory documentation
Ensure adherence to institutional, NIH and CDC regulations, where applicable
Maintain laboratory supplies, viral inventories, and assist with equipment maintenance and certification (e.g., biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges)
Train and mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory staff in virology experimental techniques and high-containment best practices
Perform related responsibilities as required to support the research mission of the lab