Lead Research Specialist

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Description

The Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center (ECBDC) is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Lead Research Specialist to join our team under the direction of Dr. Yuhong Du. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting high-throughput screening (HTS), assay development, and chemical biology workflows.

This position involves executing biochemical and cell-based assays, operating advanced automated liquid handling and high-content imaging platforms, and assisting in general laboratory management.

KEY 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.
• Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

ADDITIONAL KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

      1. Assay Development & High-Throughput Screening (HTS/uHTS)

• Optimize and miniaturize biochemical and cell-based assays for 384-well and 1536-well microplate formats.
• Conduct primary compound screening campaigns, secondary validation assays, and dose-response studies.
• Prepare chemical libraries, DMSO stock solutions, serial dilutions, and plate mapping for assay development and screening campaigns.

Instrumentation & Automation Operations

• Program and operate automated liquid-handling instruments.
• Operate multimodal plate readers (e.g., EnVision, PHERAstar) and high-content automated imaging systems (e.g., ImageXpress HT.ai / confocal imaging).
• Perform routine calibration, preventative maintenance, and quality control on robotic platforms and core laboratory equipment.

Cell Culture & Sample Preparation

• Maintain primary cell lines, immortalized cell models, and/or specialized cellular systems (e.g. iPSC cells).
• Conduct standard molecular biology protocols, including DNA/RNA isolation, transfection, protein purification, Western blotting, and qPCR as required.

Data Analysis, Informatics & Reporting

• Calculate assay quality parameters (e.g., -factor, signal-to-background, coefficient of variation) and determine  values.
• Maintain clear, detailed, and compliant electronic/physical laboratory notebooks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field and two years of research experience, or equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline. 
• Prior experience in an academic core facility, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical HTS/drug discovery environment.
• Hands-on proficiency with automated liquid handling (e.g., Beckman Coulter) and high-content imaging systems.
• Experience with specialized assays such as TR-FRET, BRET, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) screening.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with multi-well plate formats (96/384/1536-well) and microplate readers.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Additional Details

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.