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. 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:

• Laboratory Method Development, Optimization, Validation: Conduct development, optimization, and validation of laboratory research protocols, including targeted literature searches, performing rigorous troubleshooting of failing assays in collaboration with the PIs and other team members, and contributing directly to follow-up experimental design.
• Laboratory R& D Translation to Scale-Up Implementation: Advance workflows from the initial method development and benchtop R& D stages through to large-scale, high-throughput validation and implementation studies in collaboration with the PIs and other research team members.
• 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.
• Sample, Data, and Workflow Management: Perform 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.
• Data Analysis: Independently process, analyze, and interpret experimental datasets, including the use of appropriate analytic (statistical) methods required to evaluate experimental outcomes, determine statistical significance, and prepare publication-quality tables and figures.

Additional Responsibilities Include:

• 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.
• Regulatory Coordination: Coordinate laboratory compliance functions, including biosafety protocols, CDC permit applications, sample transfer documentation, and 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 Methodology Competency & Adaptability: Proven track record as an independent contributor in at least two of the following Core Methodology Areas is preferred, paired with the necessary background knowledge, drive, and technical agility to expand into the remaining fields is a plus.
• 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.
• 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.
• Education & Experience: Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific field is preferred, with at least 1 year of dedicated research experience, is desired.
• 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) is strongly preferred.
• Epidemiological & Statistical Analysis: Proficiency or advanced training in applying complex epidemiological methods, linear/non-linear modeling, or multivariate survival analyses would be a plus.
• Bioinformatics Skills: Skills in computational data analysis using custom bioinformatics pipelines for microbiome sequencing, genomic characterization, or multi-omic datasets using statistical software (e.g., R, Python) would be a plus.
• 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 would be a plus.
• Project Portfolio Management: Demonstrated capability to operate effectively as an individual contributor who can multitask, manage time efficiently across distinct studies, and make technical decisions under limited supervision would be a plus.

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 at this time, starting from the hire date.

Internal Applicants Only? No

Posting Number: R002453

Job Open Date: 08/12/2026

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