Inside Higher Ed
Position
Assistant Research Scientist - Perez Lab
Posting Details
Posting Number:
F2456P
Posting Type:
External
Employment Type:
Employee
Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Anticipated Start Date:
03/01/2026
Job Posting Date:
11/13/2025
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
Department & Classification Department:
VetMed-Population Health
Classification Title:
Researcher AC
Faculty Rank:
Assistant Research Scientist
Contract Type:
Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status:
Non-Tenure Track
Eligibility Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in preventive veterinary science, microbiology, molecular virology, or immunology
Position Summary The Perez Lab in the Department of Population Health at the University of Georgia is recruiting a highly motivated Assistant Research Scientist to conduct research in the development of novel vaccines. This role presents an opportunity to conduct pioneering research focused on the development of novel recombinant vaccines. The successful candidate will utilize viral reverse genetics platforms, including the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vector, to create effective bivalent recombinant vaccines against a broad spectrum of animal and zoonotic pathogens, such as Avian Influenza Virus, Infectious Bronchitis Virus, and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus. The group’s research interests focus on the interspecies transmission, pathogenesis, and control of viruses of public health concern. The laboratory uses a wide range of in vitro and in vivo approaches to study the host range of viruses and improve existing or develop novel vaccines and antivirals. We have developed several vaccine platforms against influenza viruses, including vaccines to enhance the mucosal immune response. The Assistant Research Scientist will lead the development and evaluation of modified live virus vaccines based on NDV utilizing reverse genetics techniques, design and execute experiments, meticulously analyze collected data, and prepare comprehensive manuscripts and reports for publication in scientific journals. The Assistant Research Scientist will work with an international collaborative group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers at the University of Georgia and abroad.
Responsibilities and Duties
Use viral reverse genetics platforms, including the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vector, to create effective bivalent recombinant vaccines against a broad spectrum of animal and zoonotic pathogens, such as Avian Influenza Virus, Infectious Bronchitis Virus, and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus.
Lead the development and evaluation of modified live virus vaccines based on NDV utilizing reverse genetics techniques.
Design and execute experiments, meticulously analyze collected data, and prepare comprehensive manuscripts and reports for publication in scientific journals.
Collaborate with an international group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers at the University of Georgia and abroad.
Work with diverse animal models (mice, hamsters, chickens, and ferrets) in ABSL2 or ABSL3 settings.
Additional Requirements Background in pathogenesis, transmission, vaccine, and antivirals evaluation in different animal models such as mice, hamsters, chickens, and ferrets in ABSL2 or ABSL3 settings is required.
Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure and Certification PhD in preventive veterinary science, microbiology, molecular virology, or immunology, with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience. Training and proven track record in mucosal immunology, reverse genetics – specifically of paramyxoviruses –, molecular biology, in vitro transcription, development of vaccine platforms, and antiviral evaluation.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies Knowledge of molecular biological and virology procedures and techniques. Demonstrated success with reverse genetics, development of vaccine platforms, antiviral evaluation, and mucosal immunology. Good organizational skills, including planning animal experiments and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and with others and to supervise and mentor other lab members. Good written and oral communication skills. History of and willingness to collaborate in animal experiments using various animal models.
Physical Demands Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
Institutional Statements
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 driving a responsibility 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
Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check, confirmation of credentials and employment history, and if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Pre-employment drug test may be required for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of its 26 institutions of higher education and learning. The USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
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Posting Details
Posting Number:
F2456P
Posting Type:
External
Employment Type:
Employee
Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Anticipated Start Date:
03/01/2026
Job Posting Date:
11/13/2025
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
Department & Classification Department:
VetMed-Population Health
Classification Title:
Researcher AC
Faculty Rank:
Assistant Research Scientist
Contract Type:
Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status:
Non-Tenure Track
Eligibility Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in preventive veterinary science, microbiology, molecular virology, or immunology
Position Summary The Perez Lab in the Department of Population Health at the University of Georgia is recruiting a highly motivated Assistant Research Scientist to conduct research in the development of novel vaccines. This role presents an opportunity to conduct pioneering research focused on the development of novel recombinant vaccines. The successful candidate will utilize viral reverse genetics platforms, including the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vector, to create effective bivalent recombinant vaccines against a broad spectrum of animal and zoonotic pathogens, such as Avian Influenza Virus, Infectious Bronchitis Virus, and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus. The group’s research interests focus on the interspecies transmission, pathogenesis, and control of viruses of public health concern. The laboratory uses a wide range of in vitro and in vivo approaches to study the host range of viruses and improve existing or develop novel vaccines and antivirals. We have developed several vaccine platforms against influenza viruses, including vaccines to enhance the mucosal immune response. The Assistant Research Scientist will lead the development and evaluation of modified live virus vaccines based on NDV utilizing reverse genetics techniques, design and execute experiments, meticulously analyze collected data, and prepare comprehensive manuscripts and reports for publication in scientific journals. The Assistant Research Scientist will work with an international collaborative group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers at the University of Georgia and abroad.
Responsibilities and Duties
Use viral reverse genetics platforms, including the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vector, to create effective bivalent recombinant vaccines against a broad spectrum of animal and zoonotic pathogens, such as Avian Influenza Virus, Infectious Bronchitis Virus, and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus.
Lead the development and evaluation of modified live virus vaccines based on NDV utilizing reverse genetics techniques.
Design and execute experiments, meticulously analyze collected data, and prepare comprehensive manuscripts and reports for publication in scientific journals.
Collaborate with an international group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers at the University of Georgia and abroad.
Work with diverse animal models (mice, hamsters, chickens, and ferrets) in ABSL2 or ABSL3 settings.
Additional Requirements Background in pathogenesis, transmission, vaccine, and antivirals evaluation in different animal models such as mice, hamsters, chickens, and ferrets in ABSL2 or ABSL3 settings is required.
Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure and Certification PhD in preventive veterinary science, microbiology, molecular virology, or immunology, with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience. Training and proven track record in mucosal immunology, reverse genetics – specifically of paramyxoviruses –, molecular biology, in vitro transcription, development of vaccine platforms, and antiviral evaluation.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies Knowledge of molecular biological and virology procedures and techniques. Demonstrated success with reverse genetics, development of vaccine platforms, antiviral evaluation, and mucosal immunology. Good organizational skills, including planning animal experiments and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and with others and to supervise and mentor other lab members. Good written and oral communication skills. History of and willingness to collaborate in animal experiments using various animal models.
Physical Demands Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
Institutional Statements
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 driving a responsibility 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
Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check, confirmation of credentials and employment history, and if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Pre-employment drug test may be required for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of its 26 institutions of higher education and learning. The USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
#J-18808-Ljbffr