Assistant Research Scientist - Perez Lab

University of Georgia•Athens, GA

42d

About The Position

The Perez Lab in the Department of Population Health at the University of Georgia is recruiting a highly motivated Assistant Research Scientist to conduct research in the development of novel vaccines. This role presents an opportunity to conduct pioneering research focused on the development of novel recombinant vaccines. The successful candidate will utilize viral reverse genetics platforms, including the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vector, to create effective bivalent recombinant vaccines against a broad spectrum of animal and zoonotic pathogens, such as Avian Influenza Virus, Infectious Bronchitis Virus, and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus. The group's research interests focus on the interspecies transmission, pathogenesis, and control of viruses of public health concern. The laboratory uses a wide range of in vitro and in vivo approaches to study the host range of viruses and improve existing or develop novel vaccines and antivirals. We have developed several vaccine platforms against influenza viruses, including vaccines to enhance the mucosal immune response. The Assistant Research Scientist will lead the development and evaluation of modified live virus vaccines based on NDV utilizing reverse genetics techniques, design and execute experiments, meticulously analyze collected data, and prepare comprehensive manuscripts and reports for publication in scientific journals. The Assistant Research Scientist will work with an international collaborative group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers at the University of Georgia and abroad.

Requirements

PhD in preventive veterinary science, microbiology, molecular virology, or immunology
Background in pathogenesis, transmission, vaccine, and antivirals evaluation in different animal models such as mice, hamsters, chickens, and ferrets in ABSL2 or ABSL3 settings is required.

Nice To Haves

PhD in preventive veterinary science, microbiology, molecular virology, or immunology, with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience.
Training and proven track record in mucosal immunology, reverse genetics - specifically of paramyxoviruses -, molecular biology, in vitro transcription, development of vaccine platforms, and antiviral evaluation.
This position involves knowledge of molecular biological and virology procedures and techniques.
Knowledge and demonstrated success with reverse genetics, development of vaccine platforms, antiviral evaluation, and mucosal immunology.
Candidates should possess a proven record in reverse genetics, vaccine platform development, antiviral evaluation, and mucosal immunology, with expertise in establishing reverse genetic systems for Paramyxovirus being highly valued.
Good organizational skills, including planning animal experiments and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and with others and to supervise and mentor other lab members.
Good written and oral communication skills.
History of and willingness to collaborate in animal experiments using various animal models.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and evaluation of modified live virus vaccines based on NDV utilizing reverse genetics techniques
Design and execute experiments
Meticulously analyze collected data
Prepare comprehensive manuscripts and reports for publication in scientific journals
Work with an international collaborative group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers at the University of Georgia and abroad.

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