Lead Research Specialist | School of Medicine - Pediatrics, Infectious Disease

Emory University • Atlanta, GA

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The Logan laboratory in the Department of Pediatrics at the Emory University School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Lead Research Specialist to join their team. The majority of the efforts will be dedicated to investigating the microbial characteristics and genetics of resistance in multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria (primarily Enterobacterales) affecting children, healthy populations, animals, and the environment. The goal of this work is to identify community reservoirs of multi-drug resistant Enterobacterales using a One Health approach, as infections with these organisms have continued to increase despite aggressive antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention campaigns in healthcare settings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field and two years of research experience, or equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
• Effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task, remaining flexible and managing time effectively.
• Able to perform procedures requiring manual dexterity and repetitive motions.
• Proficiency with personal computers including Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or related science.
• Work experience in a bacteriology wet lab, conventional and real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis and DNA sequence preparation and analysis beyond classroom experience with bacteriology is strongly preferred.
• Experience in ordering supplies and shipping biological materials strongly preferred.
• Experience in manuscript and/or grant writing is preferred.
• Interest in field work is preferred.
• Coursework must have included bacteriology, microbiology and molecular laboratory components.

Responsibilities

• Under minimal supervision, performs a variety of specialized and complex research and laboratory tests and procedures.
• Uses independent judgment in applying or adapting scientific techniques.
• May assist in protocol design.
• Investigates and proposes alternative experimental procedures for consideration by a principal investigator.
• Assists in planning and scheduling research procedures.
• Analyzes and interprets results of studies.
• Demonstrates and trains others in the proper use/operation of laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Calibrates, troubleshoots and performs routine repair and maintenance of equipment.
• Reviews literature for related research developments and techniques and compiles findings.
• Monitors laboratory processes to maintain quality assurance standards.
• Records results of studies, compiles and analyzes data and prepares charts and graphs.
• Monitors the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.
• Ordering and shipping supplies, plating of specimens, isolate, identify, freeze and catalog bacteria from clinical and non-clinical specimens.
• Molecular microbiologic testing by PCR, gel electrophoresis and related methods.
• Preparing overnight cultures, plates, media and buffers; maintaining laboratory with appropriate biohazard discarding and autoclaving of reusable products.
• Maintaining protocols and approvals, filtration of water and other environmental substrates, sampling methods, entering study-related data into computer databases.
• Maintaining and submitting documentation of laboratory work to principal investigator or designee; equipment maintenance.
• Assisting in training others in proper laboratory technique.

Benefits

• 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).
• Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior