Associate Academic Research Scientist

Discover Your Career at Emory University

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.

Description

The Associate Research Scientist will serve as a core scientific contributor within the Schinazi Lab, a premier antiviral drug discovery and development program focused on HIV, hepatitis B, herpesviruses, and emerging viral pathogens including flaviviruses, Mpox enterivuses and noroviruses. The laboratory employs a multidisciplinary team spanning medicinal chemistry, virology, molecular biology, toxicology, pharmacology, and immunology, with a track record of advancing compounds from bench to FDA approval. This role is designed for a scientist with strong hands-on laboratory expertise in cellular and molecular virology who can independently execute complex experimental workflows supporting antiviral assay development, drug efficacy testing, and in vivo evaluation in rodents. The successful candidate will contribute to assay validation, data rigor, documentation, and the training of junior personnel within a highly collaborative, high-throughput research environment.

The Associate Academic Research Scientist performs a wide range of highly technical and complex research duties and has documented scientific achievements and increasing technical, management, leadership, and professional expertise necessary to advance basic and/or translational research programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge of research and experimental platforms for analyzing, design 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 in 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 faculty director, may be principal investigators on funded proposals.
• Performs other responsibilities as required.

ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS:

Experimental Research & Technical Execution

• Independently perform a broad range of molecular, cellular, and virological techniques in support of antiviral drug discovery and mechanism-of-action studies.
  
• Execute complex experiments with precision and reproducibility, including antiviral efficacy assays, cytotoxicity testing, and viral replication inhibition studies, adhering to established protocols and SOPs.
  
• Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines, produce and quantify viral stocks, and perform downstream molecular analyses (e.g., nucleic acid purification, qPCR, Western blotting, immunoassays).
  
• Troubleshoot routine and moderately complex experimental challenges and recommend practical solutions to improve assay performance and workflow efficiency.
  Documentation, Reporting & Scientific Communication
  
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including protocols, SOPs, study records, and technical reports.
  
• Analyze and interpret experimental results; prepare charts, graphs, and written summaries for internal review, team meetings, and presentations.
  
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and scientific presentations as appropriate.
  Laboratory Operations & Compliance
  
• Support workflow coordination, inventory and supply management, and equipment upkeep within a large, multi-lab research environment.
  
• Ensure compliance with biosafety requirements, including work in BSL-2+ and BSL-3 settings as applicable, and adhere to institutional and regulatory guidelines.
  
• Maintain proper handling, storage, and disposal of biological and hazardous materials.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD or MD and five years of professional level experience OR Master's degree and ten years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab.
• Laboratory experience will 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.
• NOTE: Applicants applying with a M.D. or equivalent degree must be eligible for a Georgia medical license to meet the minimum qualifications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: PhD in Virology, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Microbiology, or a closely related discipline; or Master's degree with substantial equivalent research experience.
  
• Experience: 3–5 years of progressively responsible laboratory research experience in virology, antiviral research, or a related field, including independent execution of complex experimental workflows.
  
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated competence in mammalian cell culture, viral propagation and quantification, molecular assays (e.g., qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA), and immunoassays.
  
• Regulatory Familiarity: Working knowledge of biosafety practices (BSL-2+ required; BSL-3 experience preferred), laboratory safety, and research compliance requirements.
  
• Communication: Strong written and verbal scientific communication skills, including documentation and presentation abilities.
  
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work within multidisciplinary teams and to mentor junior personnel.
  
• Organizational Skills: High attention to detail, strong time-management abilities, and a methodical approach to experimental work in a fast-paced research environment.
  
• Maintains a high code of ethics.

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.