Research Associate

Research Associate

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
• R&D Translation to Scale-Up Implementation
• Data Analysis
• Sample, Data, and Workflow Management
• Manuscript & Grant Preparation
• Laboratory Operations

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently employed with The George Washington University?
   • No
   • Yes
2. * For current GW employees, have you completed your Introductory Employment Period (IEP)? (As a reminder, employees in their IEP are not eligible to apply for other internal university staff and research positions until the IEP is complete.)
   • Yes, IEP complete
   • No, still in IEP
   • N/a - not a current GW employee
3. * What is your expected salary range? (Open Ended Question)
4. * Do you have a record of independent research demonstrated through first-author or co-author peer-reviewed publications?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents