The George Washington University · 8 hours ago
Senior Research Associate
Washington, DC
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$51K/yr - $81K/yr
3+ years expThe George Washington University is seeking a mission-driven and collaborative Senior Research Associate to join their Molecular Epidemiology and Microbiome research group. This role involves supporting research in microbial genomics and the human microbiome, contributing to high-impact studies, and managing laboratory activities.
Higher Education
No H1B
Responsibilities
Develop and implement new laboratory protocols to collect microbiome/metagenomic, gene expression, bulk and single-cell transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data; conduct in vitro studies, including utilizing in-house nasal organoid model to study nasal bacteria associated with inflammation and potential live biotherapeutic candidates
Manage the workflow of large-scale microbiome studies, including sample tracking, nucleic acid isolation (DNA/RNA), preparation of sequencing libraries, and other downstream analyses including qPCR/RT-qPCR, ELISA, and bacterial culturing
Conduct reproducible analyses of microbial genomic, microbiome, and epidemiologic data; work closely with bioinformaticists and epidemiologists to characterize how microbiome composition, strain diversity, and gene function is associated with outcomes of interest, such as colonization patterns, immune responses, and clinical outcomes
Manage general lab activities, including inventory, equipment maintenance, and safety; supervise and mentor MPH students and other laboratory trainees
Collaborate with senior investigators and senior scientists with the preparation of grant applications, high-impact manuscripts, and professional presentations
Support study coordination functions, including Biosafety protocol, CDC permit applications, sample receiving and transfer, and grant reporting under the guidance of senior investigators and senior scientists
Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in a related discipline
3 years of direct experience in the field
Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position
Preferred
Master's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Chemistry, Public Health, discipline plus 3 years of biomedical, microbiome, molecular epidemiology, or public health research is preferred
3+ years of hands-on laboratory research and/or data analysis experience in an academic, government, or industry setting is preferred
Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment
Extensive experience with sample collection, processing, and quality control for microbiome, metagenomic, and transcriptomic studies, including bulk and/or single-cell workflows
Strong background in nucleic acid extraction (DNA/RNA), PCR/RT-PCR, and molecular assay development and optimization
Experience performing ELISA and other protein-based assays
Familiarity with or strong interest in learning advanced in vitro model systems, including organoid-based platforms for host–microbe interaction studies
Strong background in classical and molecular microbiology, including bacterial isolation, culturing, characterization, and functional analysis
Experience designing and executing in vitro experiments to assess microbial function, host responses, inflammation, or probiotic/biotherapeutic potential
Knowledge of biosafety practices relevant to handling clinical, environmental, or microbial samples
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, or grant applications
Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills, including managing laboratory workflows and mentoring students or junior trainees
Motivation to engage in mission-driven, translational microbiome research addressing public health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life & disability insurance
Time off & leave
Retirement savings
Tuition
Well-being and various voluntary benefits
Company
The George Washington University
The George Washington University
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Doowuese Igbazua
Co-Founder & President, GW- Design Student Association
Mark Hanson
Co-Founder and Co-Director, Health Experiential Design Studio (HealthXDS)
Recent News
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