Department: College of Science

Classification: Research Staff 12-month

Job Category: Research Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Manassas, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The van Hoek Laboratory is housed in the School of Systems Biology (SSB) in the College of Science (COS) and does fundamental biological research in bacteriology and the development of potential new antimicrobial agents, especially against multi-drug resistant and dangerous bacteria. Dr. van Hoek is the Principal Investigator and lab head.

About the Position:

The Laboratory is seeking a Research Manager position in microbiology/bacteriology in Dr. Monique van Hoek’s research group at the George Mason University SciTech Campus in Manassas, VA. We invite talented and motivated individuals with a Masters’ degree in Microbiology and relevant experience to apply. We seek an individual who is interested in developing antimicrobial peptides as a new approach to the treatment of multi-drug resistant bacteria. The Research Manager will participate in the evaluation of antimicrobial peptides.

The purpose of this position is to support the sponsored research project Antibacterial peptide development and non-GLP in vivo demonstration of activity and efficacy against MDR Biofilm-forming wound pathogens (ESKAPE). The Research Manager works with the PI to accomplish the technical goals of the grant. These include performing the experiments as outlined in the Statement of Work. The Research Manager is responsible for designing and performing experiments in consultation with the PI, recording and analyzing data, helping to manage the project including ordering, safety compliance and inventory, helping to prepare reports for the sponsor and developing manuscripts along with the PI. The Research Manager helps the PI to communicate with collaborators and manage team data.

Responsibilities:

• Designs and performs lab experiments according to the grant specification outlined in the statement of work in "antibacterial peptide development and non-GLP in vivo demonstration of activity and efficacy against MDR Biofilm-forming wound pathogens (ESKAPE)”. Assists the PI with communication with collaborators; 
• Records and analyzes laboratory data from experiments; 
• Orders materials and reagents for the grant and safety compliance;
• Prepares reports for the sponsor and develops manuscripts along with the PI; and
• Assists the PI with managing the grant-related experimental data. 

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience working with BSL-2 bacteria typically obtained through 1-2 years or more;
• Demonstrated experience in scientific productivity through publications;
• Demonstrated working knowledge of BSL2-bacteriology requirements for growth, testing and safety;
• Basic computer knowledge; operating multiple computer systems to include MS Teams, GraphPad and Office software to analyze data, maintain chemical and biological inventory; and
• Strong organizational skills to handle a complex experimental workload, laboratory notebook and maintain accuracy of data recording.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with preparing reports for sponsor;
• Experience with preparing manuscripts for publication;
• Experience working with antimicrobial peptides and antibacterial agents;
• Experience working with multi-drug resistant bacteria and ESKAPE pathogens;
• Experience testing for hemolytic and cytotoxic activity;
• Experience and ability to analyze and present scientific data;
• Experience ordering laboratory supplies and inventory management;
• Ensuring safety compliance in the laboratory and through training;
• Excellent attention to detail in laboratory tasks as well as administrative tasks;
• Strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the research team; and
• Demonstrated working knowledge of antibiotic testing protocols for bacteria.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Research Manager 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 resume.

Posting Open Date: March 8, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 22, 2024

Open Until Filled?: Yes