Research Scientist II

Georgia Institute of Technology•Atlanta, GA

43d

About The Position

Research Scientist will manage the day-to-day operations of the research laboratory. This position plays a dual role by conducting and/or assisting with high-impact research and ensuring the laboratory runs efficiently. The candidate will assist the PI in mentoring junior researchers as they are designing and conducting experiments; oversee maintenance of dry-lab equipment; ensure safety compliance; and contribute to high-quality publications and grant proposals.

Requirements

Ph.D. in science or engineering (biology, chemistry, physics, biophysics, electrical, mechanical, biomedical engineering is preferred).
Five or more years of experience in laboratory research or equivalent research environment.
Full technical ability for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating research projects.
Research with substantial scientific, translational or clinical impact, and development of intellectual property.
Previous project management experience in research setting.
Ability to act independently on technical matters pertaining to projects and laboratory.
Exhibits creativity, foresight and mature judgment in conducting research programs/projects.

Nice To Haves

Experience in cellular immunotherapy and immunoengineering, including work with CAR T cells, engineered immune cells, immune checkpoint blockade treatment, or related translational systems.
Experience with ultrasound and/or photoacoustic imaging, including instrumentation, system integration, or development of imaging-based diagnostics for biological applications.
Expertise in biological or molecular sensing technologies, particularly in protease-activated imaging sensors, multiplexed imaging probes, or other engineered imaging contrast agents.
Background in biomedical engineering, bioinstrumentation, imaging contrast agent design or advanced biological assay development.
Training in optics/photonics, acoustics, chemistry, and biology with applications in imaging, sensing, diagnostic technology development, and in vivo preclinical studies.
Proficiency in signal and image processing, quantitative analysis, and data presentation relevant to biological and medical imaging workflows.
Hands-on experience with biological and imaging laboratory equipment, such as flow cytometry, cell culture, assay platforms, molecular analysis tools, ultrasound/photoacoustic imaging systems, or related instrumentation.
Experience in preparing competitive proposals for federal, institutional, and philanthropic funding mechanisms.
Experience in non-academic professional roles.
Prior supervision or mentorship of undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral researchers, with evidence of effective leadership and training.

Responsibilities

Research and Scientific Contributions:
Help to design and execute research projects: Together with junior researchers, develop and refine experiments in collaboration with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students within and outside the lab, helping to ensure rigorous study design. Assist with the execution of research projects to ensure success. Help to align research efforts with the lab's and individual¿s long-term goals.
Help to analyze and interpret the data/results: Help others to analyze and interpret complex data sets using advanced software and tools. Ensure scientific rigor in all analyses.
Publication and presentation: Contribute to preparing peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations, and grant proposals. Co-author (or lead) manuscripts based on research outcomes.
Collaborative research: Engage in interdisciplinary research with external collaborators, maintaining strong communication and partnerships to advance shared goals.
Laboratory Management:
Lab operations: Help to manage the operational functions of the lab, including experimental workflow, equipment usage, and personnel to ensure the efficient functioning of the lab.
Equipment maintenance: Help to ensure that lab infrastructure is maintained and operational. Coordinate routine maintenance schedules, promptly address any technical issues, and work with service providers to minimize downtime.
Safety and research ethics compliance: Help ensure the lab complies with all institutional, state, and federal safety regulations (e.g., chemical safety, biosafety) by overseeing the implementation of safety protocols by lab members and maintaining up-to-date documentation. Ensure all research activities adhere to ethical standards and regulatory requirements, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols for human subjects and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidelines for animal research. Oversee the submission, approval, and adherence to all IRB/IACUC protocols, ensuring that studies are conducted responsibly and in full compliance with all relevant regulations.
Personnel Management:
Mentorship and training: Provide mentorship, training, and supervision to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Promote a collaborative, inclusive lab culture. Participate in evaluating lab personnel, providing constructive feedback and setting goals for improvement.
Training Programs: Facilitate professional development opportunities for lab members, such as workshops, seminars, or training sessions on new techniques and technologies.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Grant preparation: Submit and manage your own grants. Assist the principal investigator (PI) with grant preparation and progress reports. Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications by developing research objectives, drafting proposal content, and coordinating with team members to ensure timely submission and compliance with funding requirements to secure external resources for laboratory projects.
Serve as a liaison between the laboratory and external collaborators/departments: Act as a point of contact between the laboratory and external collaborators or departments, coordinating communication, facilitating joint projects, and ensuring alignment of objectives to advance shared research goals.
Recruitment and collaborative opportunities: Assist in recruiting efforts to attract a diverse pool of talented students and staff, while simultaneously seeking out and developing new collaborations with other researchers, institutions, or industry partners. By building strong networks and partnerships, contribute to the lab's growth and advancement of shared research goals.