Associate Academic Research Scientist - EPC

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.

The Emory Vaccine Center within the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University is currently seeking an Associate Academic Research (AR) Scientist to join our team. Our work consists of leading research projects focused on evaluating human cellular immune responses in cohorts of children and adults affected by HIV and tuberculosis. Activities within this project involve designing, optimizing, and conducting immunology assays and single-cell multi-omics assays; performing analysis and presentation of data analysis; contributing to manuscripts and grant proposals; participating in lab meetings and journal clubs; supervising students in the lab; and contributing to overall lab management operations.

The ideal candidate should be highly self-motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude, and have a passion for research. The Associate AR Scientist will be a team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with lab members and center members. The Associate AR Scientist will work to ensure the highest quality of laboratory research support, and has good communication skills with co-workers, the management team, PI’s, research staff, students, and other support services. Experience with high-dimensional spectral flow cytometry panel design and optimization, single-cell transcriptomics, multiplex arrays, FlowJo, and R programming is preferred.

Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at EPC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with laboratory research experience who is familiar with human cellular immunology and computational immunology, this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community. 

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, EPC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enprc.emory.edu

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge of research and experimental platforms for analyzing, designing, 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 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.

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/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with human blood sample processing and sterile cell culture.
• Experience with multi-parameter spectral flow cytometry panel design, sample acquisition, and data analysis.
• Experience with ELISA and multi-plex assays (MSD, Luminex).
• Experience with single-cell RNA-sequencing assays and data analysis.
• Proficiency with computational immunology.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, FlowJo, Prism, and R.
• Experience with specimen biorepository management.
• Experience with developing and maintaining biosafety protocols.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: 

• Work environment involves working with biohazardous blood and tissues.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work is normally performed in a typical laboratory environment.
• Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:

The Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC), in conjunction with Emory University, conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions. These screenings may include an Information Network Associates (INA) and criminal background check, and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. In addition, the process may include a drug screening with health assessment, and review and mandate for various vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccinations may be necessary for specific research projects.

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 [email protected] 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.