Senior Research Professional

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.

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

• 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

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.

• 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

• Organizes and leads topic‑specific research groups, facilitating regular progress meetings and providing high‑level updates to the Principal Investigator
• Interviews, selects, and mentors undergraduate students and lab personnel
• Develops and delivers training on research protocols, procedures, and specialized techniques
• Supervises research staff and fosters a collaborative, high‑performing lab environment

• Oversees daily laboratory operations and ensures efficient workflow across multiple projects
• Maintains and advances experimental procedures, including those supporting animal colonies
• Implements process improvements to enhance lab performance and research outcomes
• Coordinates operational activities in support of ongoing research initiatives
• Performs other duties as assigned

Recruitment Contact Name:
Wendy Gilfedder
Recruitment Contact Email: somhr