Sr. Research Associate

$61,887 - $90,264/Yr

George Washington University - Washington, DC

Part-time,Full-time - Mid Level

Washington, DC

Educational Services

About the position

The George Washington University's Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) is dedicated to understanding how environmental and occupational exposures impact human health. The department investigates critical issues such as sustainable cities, food systems, climate change, infectious diseases, workplace safety, and risk management. Within this framework, the microbiome and molecular epidemiology research group focuses on the interplay between human behavior and the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in both plants and animals, and how these factors ultimately affect human health. The group also examines behavioral and environmental influences on the human microbiome and its implications for host susceptibility to infectious diseases. EOH is currently seeking a full-time Senior Research Associate to join the microbiome and molecular epidemiology research group, which is led by Drs. Cindy Liu and Lance Price. This position presents a unique opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team on a variety of microbial genomic and microbiome research projects. The role is primarily laboratory-focused and will involve utilizing both culture-based and molecular laboratory methods. The successful candidate will be responsible for characterizing bacteria associated with inflammation and HIV infection, evaluating the role of host-associated microbial communities in the transmission of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and identifying probiotic candidates for preventing and decolonizing opportunistic pathogens in the nasal and gut microbiomes. The Senior Research Associate will manage the workflow of microbiome studies, including sample tracking, processing, and nucleic acid isolation, as well as the preparation of sequencing libraries. The role also involves developing and implementing new laboratory research protocols, collaborating closely with Dr. Liu and other team members to design in vitro studies, and assisting with general lab management tasks. Additionally, the candidate will compile data and perform preliminary analyses in collaboration with bioinformaticists and epidemiologists, assist in the preparation of grant applications and manuscripts, supervise master's students, and support study coordination functions as needed. This position is initially appointed for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance.

Responsibilities

• Manage workflow of microbiome studies, including sample tracking, processing, and isolation of nucleic acid (DNA/RNA), and preparation of sequencing libraries.
• Develop and implement new laboratory research protocols with guidance from Dr. Liu and collaborators to collect metagenomic/transcriptomic/proteomic/metabolomic data from clinical studies and in vitro experiments.
• Work closely with Dr. Liu and collaborators to design in vitro studies to identify and characterize both probiotic candidates and bacteria associated with inflammation.
• Assist with managing general lab activities, such as inventory, equipment maintenance, and lab clean-up.
• Compile data and perform preliminary data analysis in collaboration with bioinformaticists, epidemiologists, and wet laboratory staff from the research team.
• Assist Dr. Liu with the preparation of grant applications, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Supervise masters (MPH) students and other trainees, as needed.
• Support study coordination functions, including IRB and study protocol preparation and submission, CDC permit application preparation and submission, and grant reports with guidance from the PI.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a related discipline with 3 years of direct experience in a relevant field.
• Extensive experience in both culture-based and molecular microbiological research.
• Advanced knowledge of microbiological concepts and laboratory skills in microbiology and/or genomics.
• Excellent skills in analysis of data, including genomic, epidemiological, microbiome, or experimental data.
• Ability to manage time across multiple projects.
• Experience with laboratory, personnel, and project management.

Nice-to-haves

• Organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently and with a team.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling options
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement for further education.