Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Virology

Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Virology

Southern Research + You
Discover a career where your work truly matters. Southern Research has been translating science into real-world solutions since 1941. Join our innovative team and enjoy benefits like medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, life insurance, PTO, an employee assistance program, and more.

General Summary

This position is a 2-year postdoctoral training position responsible for designing, validating, and performing a broad range of advanced tests and procedures using standard scientific techniques and methods; and recording, analyzing and reporting results. The Postdoctoral Research Scientist will apply advanced scientific knowledge, laboratory methods, and techniques to resolve complex problems. This position will support preclinical, clinical trial, and internal research and development studies.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and perform virology and immunology assays including viral infectivity, neutralization, and antigen quantification assays.
• Conduct cell culture and virus propagation under appropriate biosafety conditions including BSL-2 and BSL-3.
• Analyze experimental data, prepare technical reports, and present findings to project teams.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records and ensure compliance with laboratory safety and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with all preclinical teams to advance project and organizational goals.
• Stay current with emerging methodologies and technologies in respiratory virus research.
• Prepares and performs experimental procedures independently.
• Collects and analyzes data for review by management, utilizing sophisticated spreadsheets and statistical analysis software.
• Reviews work tasks completed by team members to ensure work meets quality standards.
• Presents the data and analysis clearly and accurately to the client or colleagues virtually or in-person.
• Trains less experienced and new team members on all relevant laboratory techniques in BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities.
• Provides resolutions to a diverse range of problems and resolves problems requiring the application of standard procedures and techniques.
• Conducts experimental procedures following Standard Operating Procedures, Good Laboratory Practices and study protocols.
• Participates in all required training.
• Exercises judgment in conducting experimental procedures, recognizing deviations from expected results and postulating sources of deviations.
• Prepares reports, assist with preparing proposals and grants.
• Performs all work tasks following laboratory safety requirements.
• Participates in revising SR forms and SOP's as necessary.
• Performs other duties as required by their supervisor.
• Participates in required select agent training as appropriate

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

• Education and experience required:
  • Ph.D. in Virology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or related discipline
• Experience in assay development and validation.
• Proficiency in multiple assay techniques including cell-based and biochemical assays
• Proficiency in multiple technology platforms including fluorescence and luminescence readouts, imaging, and flow cytometry
• Ability to work in a Biosafety Lab Level 2 and 3 environments.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills including correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Detail oriented; possess good planning and organizational skills; inquisitive; takes direction well.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Windows, Word, Excel, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills and capable of multi-tasking.

This position requires the ability to meet all entry requirements, including medical and vaccination requirements for work in both an ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 laboratory environment. Immunizations are required for this position and are determined by the study/agent. Some examples include Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Smallpox, Polio, and Influenza.

Core Values

Cultivating human connection - putting people first. We know that every individual makes a difference and that no one can do it alone. We believe the world's most powerful resource is human potential. We are an inclusive and courageous team where innovation and diversity of thought go hand in hand. We understand that relationships move at the speed of trust.

Operating with precise execution - measuring what matters and owning results as a team. We leverage data to drive decisions that advance science. We recognize the importance of a stable foundation coupled with an agile mindset. We hold ourselves accountable and take pride in our work. We give and receive candid feedback as a gift that keeps us growing.

Harnessing relentless curiosity - our unstoppable, innovative force. We are driven to ask sharp questions and push the boundaries of knowledge. We use creativity and critical thinking as catalysts for finding solutions that change lives. We learn by doing, consistently striving to improve our relationships, training, methodologies, questions and results.

Stewarding a healthy community - implementing sustainable operations for a safe, engaging environment. We don't compromise on safety and health for our employees, customers or community. We believe a healthy community begins with inclusive economic opportunities. We respect the dignity of the patients we ultimately serve. We are motivated to serve communities that are underserved and markets that are overlooked.

Job Specific Behaviors

Planning and Organization - Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self and others to ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives

Attention to detail - Utilizes established monitoring system, records data accurately and in a timely manner, and ensures accuracy of data.

Technical Expertise - Possesses and applies professional/technical knowledge, skills, experience, and judgment to accomplish a result, serve customers better, and contribute to the organization's intellectual capital.

Continuous Learning - Target learning needs; seeks learning activities; maximizes learning; applies knowledge or skill; and takes risks in learning.

Communication - Effectively communicates verbally with others and written skills are effective.

Quality Orientation - Follows procedures, ensures high-quality outputs and takes action.

Physical Demands

This position is in a laboratory environment and requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including (but not limited to):

• Eye protection (Safety glasses and/or full-face shield)
• Respirator (varies based on tasks and barrier requirements)
• Tyvek/scrub suits
• Nitrile (or equivalent) gloves (varies based on tasks)
• Hearing protection (varies based on tasks)

Immunizations are required for this position and are determined by the study/agent. Some examples include Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Smallpox, Polio, and Influenza.

This position requires the following physical abilities including (but not limited to):

• Performing work by utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
• Sitting for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• Standing for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations
No certifications are required; however, training includes Good Laboratory Practices and annual training on safe handling of viruses. Radiation safety training may be required depending upon the assays utilized.

Work Authorization
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Southern Research is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We are an equal opportunity employer and seek to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our hiring, training, promotion, and compensation practices are based on the principles of fairness, equality, and merit.

Southern Research prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind, including harassment based on any protected characteristic. We are committed to maintaining a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.

In addition, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. We also offer support for individuals who require accommodations due to religious practices or beliefs.

If you have any concerns about discrimination or harassment, please contact humanresources@southernresearch.org immediately. We are committed to investigating all concerns thoroughly and promptly and taking appropriate corrective action when necessary.