Assistant Research Scientist - Perez Lab

Position

Assistant Research Scientist - Perez Lab

• Posting Number: F2456P
• Posting Type: External
• Employment Type: Employee
• Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
• Advertised Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Anticipated
  
  Start Date:
  
  03/01/2026
• Job Posting Date: 11/13/2025
• Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Department: Vet Med-Population Health

Classification

Title:

Researcher AC

Faculty Rank: Assistant Research Scientist

Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications: PhD in preventive veterinary science, microbiology, molecular virology, or immunology

The Perez Lab in the Department of Population Health at the University of Georgia is recruiting a highly motivated Assistant Research Scientist to conduct research in the development of novel vaccines. This role presents an opportunity to conduct pioneering research focused on the development of novel recombinant vaccines. The successful candidate will utilize viral reverse genetics platforms, including the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vector, to create effective bivalent recombinant vaccines against a broad spectrum of animal and zoonotic pathogens, such as Avian Influenza Virus, Infectious Bronchitis Virus, and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus.

The group’s research interests focus on the interspecies transmission, pathogenesis, and control of viruses of public health concern. The laboratory uses a wide range of in vitro and in vivo approaches to study the host range of viruses and improve existing or develop novel vaccines and antivirals. We have developed several vaccine platforms against influenza viruses, including vaccines to enhance the mucosal immune response.

The Assistant Research Scientist will lead the development and evaluation of modified live virus vaccines based on NDV utilizing reverse genetics techniques, design and execute experiments, meticulously analyze collected data, and prepare comprehensive manuscripts and reports for publication in scientific journals. The Assistant Research Scientist will work with an international collaborative group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers at the University of Georgia and abroad.

• Use viral reverse genetics platforms, including the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vector, to create effective bivalent recombinant vaccines against a broad spectrum of animal and zoonotic pathogens, such as Avian Influenza Virus, Infectious Bronchitis Virus, and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus.
• Lead the development and evaluation of modified live virus vaccines based on NDV utilizing reverse genetics techniques.
• Design and execute experiments, meticulously analyze collected data, and prepare comprehensive manuscripts and reports for publication in scientific journals.
• Collaborate with an international group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers at the University of Georgia and abroad.
• Work with diverse animal models (mice, hamsters, chickens, and ferrets) in ABSL2 or ABSL3 settings.

Background in pathogenesis, transmission, vaccine, and antivirals evaluation in different animal models such as mice, hamsters, chickens, and ferrets in ABSL2 or ABSL3 settings is required.

PhD in preventive veterinary science, microbiology, molecular virology, or immunology, with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience. Training and proven track record in mucosal immunology, reverse genetics – specifically of paramyxoviruses –, molecular biology, in vitro transcription, development of vaccine platforms, and antiviral evaluation.

Knowledge of molecular biological and virology procedures and techniques. Demonstrated success with reverse genetics, development of vaccine platforms, antiviral evaluation, and mucosal immunology. Good organizational skills, including planning animal experiments and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and with others and to supervise and mentor other lab members. Good written and oral…