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.