About the Department:

The Institute for Biohealth Innovation harnesses the collective talent of more than 300 GMU faculty and staff and thousands of students across 34 academic departments. The IBI connects Mason researchers with potential collaborators, both within the university and externally, to take on some of biohealth’s biggest challenges.

The Biomedical Research Lab (BRL), is a core facility overseen by the Institute. The 52,000 square-foot regional biocontainment laboratory (RBL) was established in 2010 as one of 12 NIAID-funded RBLs to support infectious disease research and foster collaborations with other national and global laboratories. It operates as a central core facility to advance research and develop novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines against viral and bacterial infectious agents by a diverse population of internal and external investigators. The facility is capable of housing multiple species and has a variety of established animal models, with an emphasis on aerosolized exposures. The BRL is fully approved and licensed for work by the CDC and USDA and is accredited by AAALAC.

About the Position:

The research faculty will join a collaborative team that works on bacterial or viral pathogens relevant to human and animal disease. The research foci are within broad fields including but not limited to immunology and immunity in disease, host-pathogen interactions, cellular microbiology, biochemistry, animal imaging and pathology, aerobiology, and countermeasure development (diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics). The incumbent will work with a diverse team of internal and external investigators including faculty, postdoctoral fellows, undergraduate and graduate students, and industry professionals. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting research, providing training and mentorship, disseminating findings, and contributing to grant proposals to advance infectious disease research and countermeasure development.

Responsibilities:

• Design and perform experiments to advance knowledge of pathogen biology and host interaction mechanisms; and support development of new countermeasures to combat newly emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases and biothreat agents;
• Provide vision for how BRL research cores can be leveraged to advance infectious disease research and development;
• Perform biostatistical analysis and interpret data;
• Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, meeting abstracts, poster presentations, and present results at meetings, conferences, and symposiums;
• Identify potential grant opportunities, generate preliminary data, and write grant/contract proposals;
• Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), IRB and IACUC documents;
• Develop material and train new users on cutting-edge instrumentation;
• Provide mentorship and training for faculty, staff, students, and external partners; and
• Supervise laboratory staff.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Biology or related field, or equivalent relevant experience;
• At least five (5) years of experience in cell, molecular, or microbiology;
• Documented experience in scientific publication;
• At least two (2) years of experience managing laboratory safety, operations and/or personnel;
• Experience in scientific grant and report writing;
• Excellent collaborative, interpersonal skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, multi-task, and work with minimal supervision; and
• Must be willing and able to gain BSL3 access and work with select agents.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a scientific, engineering, or related field (Ph.D. or similar);
• At least two (2) years of experience working in a high containment facility;
• Strong publication record;
• At least three (3) or more years of experience in laboratory management;
• Considerable experience in scientific grant and report writing; and
• Experience in a large dispersed university or industrial environment.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Research Faculty, Infectious Diseases at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and CV.

Posting Open Date: February 27, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  March 12, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  Yes