Research Associate

I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

The Antibiotic Resistance Action Center (ARAC) at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health is seeking a collaborative, highly motivated, and scientifically rigorous Research Associate to join the Molecular Epidemiology and Microbiome research group. Led by Drs. Cindy Liu and Lance Price, our group investigates the impact of environmental and occupational exposures on human health within a dedicated One Health framework. Our research program is specifically focused on characterizing nasal, urogenital, and gut microbiome commensals, with the goal of leveraging commensal microbial communities to develop evidence based strategies that prevent and treat diverse infectious and inflammatory conditions.

To achieve this, our group operates through a robust process by integrating hypothesis generation from observational, cohort-based studies with downstream mechanistic studies in advanced in vitro models, and further translating those findings into public health applications, including live biotherapeutic and point-of-care diagnostic development.

To support this dynamic process, we are seeking an independent contributor to conduct cutting edge research, who can thrive within a fast-paced, advanced multidisciplinary setting. Candidates are expected to be a contributor with deep expertise in at least two of our core methodology areas, combined with the necessary background knowledge and drive to expand into the remaining areas of our research portfolio. This position offers a unique opportunity to own a diverse and exciting portfolio of research projects within a highly collaborative team, while actively engaging with, mentoring, and guiding passionate undergraduate and graduate students.

Responsibilities Include: Research and Data Management and Analysis

• Methodology Development, Optimization, & Validation: Lead the development, optimization, and validation of research protocols for assigned research projects, including targeted literature searches, performing rigorous troubleshooting of failing assays, and contributing directly to follow-up experimental design.
• R&D Translation to Scale-Up Implementation: Manage the lifecycle of assigned research projects, successfully progressing workflows from the initial method development and benchtop R&D stages through to large-scale, high throughput validation and implementation studies.
• Data Analysis: Independently process, analyze, and interpret experimental datasets including the use of appropriate analytic (statistical/epidemiological) methods required to evaluate experimental outcomes, determine statistical significance, and prepare publication quality tables and figures.
• Sample, Data, and Workflow Management: Oversee sample tracking, processing workflows, and comprehensive lab and data analysis management for large-scale studies containing clinical and environmental sample and metadata collections designed for multi-omic, culture based, and in vitro studies.

Manuscript & Grant Preparation

• Contribute directly to writing, critically reviewing, and formatting drafts for manuscripts and grant applications, in collaboration with the PIs and other research team members. Present findings professionally at academic or scientific conferences.

Laboratory Operations

• Day-to-Day Laboratory Functions: Assist with day-to-day laboratory functions including inventory control, bio- and chemical safety compliance, and equipment maintenance and provide technical mentorship to undergraduate and graduate MPH research trainees in collaboration with the PIs and other research team members.
• Regulatory Coordination: Coordinate laboratory compliance functions, including biosafety protocols, CDC permit applications, sample transfer documentation, sample shipping in collaboration with the PIs and other research team members.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a master's degree and 1 year of experience in a related discipline. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Core Competency & Adaptability : Proven track record as an independent contributor in at least two of the Core Methodology Areas outlined above, paired with the necessary background knowledge, drive, and technical agility to expand into the remaining fields.
• Peer-Reviewed Publication Record : A documented history of scientific contribution, evidenced by a record of peer-reviewed publications (as a first author or co-author).
• Conference Presentations : Experience preparing and delivering presentations at professional academic or scientific conferences.
• Education & Experience : Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific field, with at least 3 years of dedicated research experience.
• Advanced Epidemiological & Statistical Analysis : Proficiency or advanced training in applying complex epidemiological methods, linear/non-linear modeling, or multivariate survival analyses to complex patient cohorts and experimental data.
• Bioinformatics Skills : Direct experience performing computational data analysis using custom bioinformatics pipelines for microbiome sequencing, genomic characterization, or multi-omic datasets using statistical software (e.g., R, Python).
• Translational & Regulatory Knowledge : Experience or a structural understanding of translational pipelines, including CMC compliance, Investigate New Drug (IND) related documentation, or participation in supporting clinical trial studies.
• Project Portfolio Management : Demonstrated capability to operate effectively as an individual contributor who can multi-task, manage time efficiently across distinct studies, and make technical decisions under limited supervision.

Core Methodology Areas

1. Molecular, Multi-Omics, & High-Throughput Workflows : Direct experience in the development, independent optimization, and validation of custom molecular assays (such as PCR/qPCR), sample preparation for multi-omics (metagenomics/transcriptomics, bulk or single-cell), and high-throughput workflows utilizing liquid-handling robotics. This area forms the descriptive foundation of our cohort and intervention studies.
2. Commensal Bacteriology & Live Biotherapeutic Formulation : Mastery of developing, optimizing, and validating bacterial culturing protocols for both aerobic and anaerobic organisms, including the isolation, selection, and physiological phenotyping of diverse commensal species using clinical specimens. Direct experience working with lyoprotectant optimization and formulation testing for live biotherapeutics is considered a significant asset to support both observational and translational research studies.
3. Primary Epithelial Cell Culture & Host-Microbe/Microbe-Microbe Interactions : Hands-on expertise in using primary epithelial cell models to study host-microbe and microbe microbe interactions, including downstream phenotypic and physiological characterization including immunohistochemistry (IHC), confocal and fluorescence microscopy, and barrier function assays to assess commensal function.
4. Immunoassays & Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) : Direct experience in the configuration, development, optimization, and validation of immunoassays (such as ELISA) and the evaluation or implementation of point-of-care diagnostic testing modalities to translate laboratory discoveries into scalable, translational public health solutions.

Hiring Range

$44,985.20 - $79,459.28

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

Campus Location

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department

Milken Institute School of Public Health (SPH)

Family

Research and Labs

Sub-Family

Laboratory Research

Stream

Individual Contributor

Level

Level 1

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Hours Per Week

40

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Yes

Employee Onsite Status

On-campus (in person)

Telework

No

Required Background Check

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.

The limited term of this appointment is 1 year from hire at this time. This position is a grant funded position. Continuation of the position is contingent on grant funding.

Internal Applicants Only?

No

Posting Number

R002445

Job Open Date

Job Close Date

Background Screening

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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