Senior Research Professional

Position Information

Classification Title Lab Coord-Medical Science III FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications Position Summary

The Senior Research Professional will operate with a high level of independence and assume leadership responsibilities within the Ledford Lab. This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator (PI) and is responsible for providing weekly updates on the progress of projects, including both individual research and projects led by other team members. The Senior Research Professional will serve as the primary author on manuscripts and will contribute to grant submissions by drafting substantial portions of preliminary data, methods, and research approaches, as needed.

This position will also oversee animal studies and screening in drug development, organize teams to execute experiments, and communicate results to team members and collaborators. Additional duties include providing biohazard agents (Rhinovirus, Influenza, Mycoplasma) and extracted SP-A from human lavage fluid to collaborators nationally, as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

* Strong experimental design and research methodology development skills

* Proficiency in advanced laboratory techniques (e.g., molecular assays, cell culture, immunoassays)

* Skilled in scientific writing, including manuscript preparation and grant proposal development

* Effective leadership and team management skills, including mentoring and supervising staff and students

* Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific findings to diverse audiences

* Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to troubleshoot experimental and operational challenges

* Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams

* Ability to oversee and optimize laboratory operations and workflows

* Ability to analyze complex data sets and translate findings into actionable conclusions

* Knowledge of biosafety regulations and procedures, including BSL-2 virus handling

* Familiarity with molecular biology, biochemical, and immunologic research techniques

* Understanding of experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation

* Knowledge of grant development processes and scientific writing standards

Physical Demands

Performs research and administrative tasks in a laboratory and office environment which includes the ability to perform repetitive tasks such as data entry, equipment operation, and laboratory procedure and ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods while performing experiments, data entry, or administrative tasks.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable.

Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Advanced Research Design, Execution, and Scientific Leadership

* Functions as a senior collaborator to develop, design, and execute complex research projects

* Formulates research methods and establishes experimental criteria

* Conducts advanced immunologic and/or physiologic asthma research using in vivo and in vitro models, including mouse colonies and human cells

* Leads research involving BSL2 viruses and applies diverse biochemical and molecular techniques

* Authors publications, presents findings at national and international conferences, and contributes to grant proposal development to secure funding

Percentage of time 50 Duties/Responsibilities

Team Leadership, Mentorship, and Research Training

* Organizes and leads topic-specific research groups, facilitating regular progress meetings and providing…