Research Associate

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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  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.
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  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).
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  Conference Presentations: Experience preparing and delivering presentations at professional academic or scientific conferences.
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  Education & Experience: Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific field, with at least 3 years of dedicated research experience.
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  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.
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  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).
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  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.
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  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.

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.

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?