Post-Doctoral Fellow- Emory Vaccine Center

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 diversity and excellence of our academic community.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career. The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc. Designs and evaluates experiments. Develops new ideas that promote current research. Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator. May be responsible for operation of specific equipment. May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff. Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee. The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. Appointments cannot exceed five years.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field. Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills. The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues. Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.

The laboratory of Dr. Rui Kong at Emory Vaccine Center is seeking highly motivated post-doctoral scholars. Research in our lab focuses on antibodies and vaccines. We are interested in two questions: 1) how to consistently induce specific highly functional antibodies by vaccination, and 2) how to maintain the antibody responses above the level of protection for a long period of time.

Specific areas of interest include 1) Novel technologies for B cell and antibody analysis; 2) B cell and antibody responses after vaccination and infection. 3) novel vaccine design strategies to induce broadly-reactive anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies.

Dr. Rui Kong is a Georgia Research Alliance Distinguished Investigator, Assistant Professor in Emory Vaccine Center, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, and Assistant Professor in Emory National Primate Research Center. Previous publications from Dr. Rui Kong can be found at the following link:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=-Zll3SUAAAAJ&sortby=pubdate&view_op=list_works&gmla=AJsN-F5b4ztV3MB6oVMnkZqlsxOV-8GYvBThRQebz_slZV5K-HagbXVvNDUKys3NLyhQgMlNi-NRlKE0v61LajgY278rC5Tbvg1DFBy9sCzApdhzFMBD1sw

The Emory Vaccine Center is located within the Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia), which is one of only seven NIH–funded national primate research centers in the U.S. The Emory Vaccine Center is an epicenter of academic research and development of vaccines for infectious diseases. With more than 250 faculty members and staff, it is the largest and most comprehensive academic vaccine research center in the world.

Essential Duties and preferences:

The qualified candidate will work in a collaborative environment that is rich in resources, alongside investigators, graduate students, technical staff, and postdoctoral fellows conducting fundamental basic and clinical research leading to the development of effective vaccines against diseases of global importance. Candidates with backgrounds in immunology, virology, structural biology, bioinformatics, molecular biology and animal models are highly encouraged to apply.

• Knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices, and methods.
• Knowledge of scientific laboratory research techniques.
• Demonstrated computer literacy and strong mathematical, analytical, and research skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in applied research or data management may be advantageous.
• The ability to manipulate large, complex data sets into manageable, understandable reports.
• Excellent problem-solving and team working skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Experience working in a biosafety environment

Working Environment:

• Involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions
• Work is normally performed in a typical laboratory environment

To ensure the safety of our campus community, the COVID-19 vaccine is required. For more information on the University and Hospital policies and potential exemptions, please see our website.

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, 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. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.

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