Lead Research Specialist

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Description

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.

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 JOB DETAILS:

• Principal duties and responsibilities will include: 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.

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:

• Interested candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or related science and two years of research experience, or equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
• 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.
• The applicant should demonstrate effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Also valued are excellent organizational skills and attention to detail essential, the ability to multi-task, remaining flexible and managing time effectively, able to perform procedures requiring manual dexterity and repetitive motions, have proficiency with personal computers including Microsoft Office, and demonstrate the ability to perform a variety of specialized and complex research and laboratory tests and procedures.

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.

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.