Senior Research Professional

Job Information

Posting Number: S15312P

Title:

Senior Research Professional

Department:
School of Medicine / SOM-Research

Location:

Athens, GA

Employment Type:

Full‑time

Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (flexible; evenings and/or weekends may be needed occasionally)

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 contribute to grant submissions by drafting substantial portions of preliminary data, methods, and research approaches as needed.

The position will also oversee animal studies, 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.

• Senior collaborator to develop, design, and execute complex research projects.
• Formulate research methods and establish experimental criteria.
• Conduct advanced immunologic and/or physiologic asthma research using in vivo and in vitro models, including mouse colonies and human cells.
• Lead research involving B-2 viruses and apply diverse biochemical and molecular techniques.
• Author publications, present findings at national and international conferences, and contribute to grant proposal development to secure funding.
• Organize and lead topic‑specific research groups, facilitate regular progress meetings, and provide high‑level updates to the Principal Investigator.
• Interview, select, and mentor undergraduate students and lab personnel.
• Develop and deliver training on research protocols, procedures, and specialized techniques.
• Supervise research staff and foster a collaborative, high‑performing lab environment.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring efficient workflow across multiple projects.
• Maintain and advance experimental procedures, including those supporting animal colonies.
• Implement process improvements to enhance lab performance and research outcomes.
• Coordinate operational activities in support of ongoing research initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and five years of professional experience.
• Strong experimental design and research methodology development skills.
• Proficiency in advanced laboratory techniques (molecular assays, cell culture, immunoassays).
• Skilled in scientific writing, manuscript preparation, and grant proposal development.
• Effective leadership and team management skills, including mentoring and supervising staff and students.
• Strong communication skills for presenting 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 B-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.

• Relevant experience in asthma research and B-2 virus work.
• Experience with animal studies and drug development screening.
• Previous authorship of peer‑reviewed manuscripts.

Full‑time position. Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Flexibility at times may be needed, including evenings and/or weekends on occasion. Eligible for graduate benefits and the typical G‑plus programs available to full‑time employees.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status.