Emory University logo

Emory University

Senior Research Specialist - Emory College of Arts and Sciences

🇺🇸 Atlanta, GA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 TBD 💻 Research 🗓️ February 5th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

Emory University is hiring a Senior Research Specialist for the College of Arts and Sciences. The role involves independently conducting complex molecular biology and microbiology research, including wet lab experiments such as DNA and RNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing, with responsibilities for protocol development, data analysis, and training lab personnel.

Highlights
  • Perform highly technical research and laboratory tests independently.
  • Develop and troubleshoot specialized research protocols.
  • Provide technical guidance and training to other research staff.
  • Analyze and interpret research study results.
  • Conduct wet lab work focusing on bacterial and viral transmission in Caenorhabditis elegans.
  • Require proficiency with molecular biology techniques, including qRT-PCR and sequencing.
  • Bachelor's degree in biology or related field with relevant wet lab experience required.
  • Experience with Caenorhabditis elegans, flow cytometry, sequencing data handling, and low-template samples is a plus.
  • Work supported by a three-year non-federal foundation grant.
  • Must perform duties on-site at Emory University facilities.

Senior Research Specialist - Emory College of Arts and Sciences Full Description

Discover Your Career at Emory University: 
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community. Description: 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 
  • Independently performs a wide range of highly technical and complex research and laboratory tests and procedures. 
  • Devises highly specialized research procedures by applying a knowledge of advanced research techniques and equipment. 
  • Provides input to protocol development. 
  • Serves as a technical resource for other research personnel. 
  • Analyzes and interprets the results of studies. 
  • Investigates and recommends alternative approaches to improve the quality of results. 
  • Trains research staff in specialized procedures and theoretical concepts for unique tests. 
  • Recommends new equipment and supplies needed for specialized procedures. 
  • Provides input into the development of departmental goals and objectives. 
  • May assist in grant and other funding application preparation. 
  • Review literature for related research developments and techniques. 
  • Prepares written materials, charts and graphs on specialized techniques and research results for publication or presentation. 
  • Oversees quality assurance of research performed by others. 
  • Monitors the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances. 
  • Performs related responsibilities as required. 
  • Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific field and four years of research experience, OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS:
The Vega lab at Emory (www.vegalab.org) is seeking a Senior Research Specialist. 
 
The position entails molecular biology wet lab work (DNA and RNA extraction; library preparation and sequencing; qRT-PCR) using existing protocols, as well as protocol development and troubleshooting, for ongoing projects in host-microbiome and host-pathogen association in Caenorhabditis elegans. 
 
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field, with wet lab experience in microbiology and molecular biology techniques; prior experience with Caenorhabditis elegans and/or low-template samples a plus, as is experience with handling and processing of sequencing data. 
 
This position will involve working closely with current lab personnel; communication skills are important, as is the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  • This is a three-year position supported by a non-federal foundation grant. 
  • The senior research specialist will be primarily responsible for wet lab experiments on bacterial and viral transmission in Caenorhabditis elegans, including data collection and basic analysis. 
  • Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field, with wet lab experience in microbiology and molecular biology techniques (DNA and RNA extraction; library preparation and sequencing; qRT- PCR); prior experience with Caenorhabditis elegans, flow cytometry, sequence analysis, and/or low-template samples a plus. 
  • Protocol development is part of this position; a successful candidate will be comfortable navigating the scientific literature and troubleshooting novel protocols. Prior experience with training of junior personnel preferred. 
  • Please submit a Cover Letter.

NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee. 

Additional Details: 
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
 
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.