Academic Research Scientist Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Associate Academic Research Scientist performs a wide range of highly technical and complex research duties and has documented scientific achievements and increasing technical, management, leadership, and professional expertise necessary to advance basic and/or translational research programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research and experimental platforms for analyzing, design and interpreting results Investigates and recommends potential alternative approaches to improve the quality of results of basic and/or translational research.
• Demonstrates increased responsibility through management of teams and leadership of scientific projects by applying advanced knowledge, skills, and input necessary for protocol development, as well as facilitating in some training aspects of other team members.
• Aids in writing IACUC, IRB, Biosafety and other approval documents.
• Oversees quality assurance of research conducted by other team members.
• May assist in grant and other funding applications as necessary and appropriate, or with approval of the responsible faculty director, may have their own research projects and/or have full responsibilities for specific areas of instrumentation or methodology development and user support.
• With the approval of the responsible Emory faculty director, the Associate 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.

NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.