Senior Research Professional

Senior Research Professional

The Senior Research Professional will operate with a high level of independence and assume leadership responsibilities within the Ledford Lab. This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator (PI) and is responsible for providing weekly updates on the progress of projects, including both individual research and projects led by other team members. The Senior Research Professional will serve as the primary author on manuscripts and will contribute to grant submissions by drafting substantial portions of preliminary data, methods, and research approaches, as needed. This position will also oversee animal studies and screening in drug development, organize teams to execute experiments, and communicate results to team members and collaborators. Additional duties include providing biohazard agents (Rhinovirus, Influenza, Mycoplasma) and extracted SP-A from human lavage fluid to collaborators nationally, as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies - Strong experimental design and research methodology development skills. Proficiency in advanced laboratory techniques (e.g., molecular assays, cell culture, immunoassays). Skilled in scientific writing, including manuscript preparation and grant proposal development. Effective leadership and team management skills, including mentoring and supervising staff and students. Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific findings to diverse audiences. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to troubleshoot experimental and operational challenges. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams. Ability to oversee and optimize laboratory operations and workflows. Ability to analyze complex data sets and translate findings into actionable conclusions. Knowledge of biosafety regulations and procedures, including BSL-2 virus handling. Familiarity with molecular biology, biochemical, and immunologic research techniques. Understanding of experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation. Knowledge of grant development processes and scientific writing standards.

Posting Number - S15312P

Working Title - Senior Research Professional

Department - SOM-Research

About the University of Georgia - Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university. The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education.UGAis currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton.UGAemploys approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department - The University of Georgia School of Medicine was founded in 2024 and received preliminary accreditation in 2026.The establishment of a new public medical school atUGAcomes as the state faces a significant shortage of medical professionals. The population of Georgia, the nation's eighth-largest state, has surged to approximately 11 million residents, straining existing medical infrastructure and resulting in longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. Georgia currently ranks 39th in the nation for the number of active patient care physicians per capita and 41st for the number of public medical students per capita.As a top-20 public university with a thriving research enterprise and vast public service network, the University of Georgia is well-positioned to produce more highly trained physicians, alleviate physician shortages, and improve the state's ability to provide quality health care for its citizens.The School of Medicine is located on UGA's Health Sciences Campus in Athens. In its inaugural year, theUGASchool of Medicine will enroll 60 students per class, but a new $100 million medical school building will enable theUGASchool of Medicine to grow to 120 students per class in the future.

College/Unit/Department website -

Posting Type - External

Retirement Plan - TRS or ORP

Employment Type - Employee

Benefits Eligibility - Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time - Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information - Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM. Flexibility may be needed at times, including evenings and/or weekends on occasion.

Advertised Salary - Commensurate with experience

Posting Date - 06/17/2026

Open until filled - No

Closing Date - 06/24/2026

Proposed Starting Date - 09/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy - Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement - The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (View email address on click.appcast.io).

USG Core Values Statement - The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. OurUSGStatement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and eachUSGcommunity member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on theUSGStatement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available inUSG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.Additionally,USGsupports Freedom of Expression as stated inBoard Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title - Lab Coord-Medical Science III

FLSA - Exempt

FTE - 1.00

Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities - Advanced Research Design, Execution, and Scientific Leadership Functions as a senior collaborator to develop, design, and execute complex research projects. Formulates research methods and establishes experimental criteria. Conducts advanced immunologic and/or physiologic asthma research using in vivo and in vitro models, including mouse colonies and human cells. Leads research involving BSL2 viruses and applies diverse biochemical and molecular techniques. Authors publications, presents findings at national and international conferences, and contributes to grant proposal development to secure funding

Percentage of time - 50

Duties/Responsibilities - Team Leadership, Mentorship, and Research Training Organizes and leads topic-specific research groups, facilitating regular progress meetings and providing high-level updates to the Principal Investigator. Interviews, selects, and mentors undergraduate students and lab personnel. Develops and delivers training on research protocols, procedures, and specialized techniques. Supervises research staff and fosters a collaborative, high-performing lab environment

Percentage of time - 25

Duties/Responsibilities - Laboratory Operations Management and Process Optimization Oversees daily laboratory operations and ensures efficient workflow across multiple projects. Maintains and advances experimental procedures, including those supporting animal colonies. Implements process improvements to enhance lab performance and research outcomes. Coordinates operational activities in support of ongoing research initiatives. Performs other duties as assigned

Percentage of time - 25

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details - For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name - Wendy Gilfedder

Recruitment Contact Email - View email address on click.appcast.io