Post Doctoral Associate - Perez Lab
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
Posting Number
G/R32426P
Working Title Post Doctoral Associate - Perez Lab
Department VetMed-Poultry Diagnos & Rsch
Employment Type Employee
Advertised Salary Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Anticipated Start Date 06/01/2026
Posting Date 03/12/2026
Closing Date 04/15/2026
Location Athens Area
Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants are asked to submit the following:
CV/Resume
Cover Letter
Copy of First Author Publication(s): minimum one, maximum three. Only first author publications will be evaluated
List of References with Contact Information: minimum three, maximum five
EOO Statement 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).
Position Summary The Post-Doctoral Associate will be instrumental in bridging the gap between the lab’s ongoing efforts in understanding the emergence of influenza viruses at the animal-human interface. This research is critical to determine the molecular basis of pathogenesis and transmission of these viruses and to assess the efficacy of vaccine platforms and antiviral candidates for broader protection against influenza.
The successful candidate will be a key contributor to multiple ongoing and planned research projects, with a primary focus on influenza virus immunology, pathogenesis, vaccine development, alternative antiviral interventions, and host resistance to infection.
Candidates will be assigned to one or more of the following specific projects and associated responsibilities:
Mass Vaccination-Ready Live Virus Vaccine Development Reverse Genetics:
Design and generate mono- and multivariant modified live virus (MLV) vaccines against H9N2 and H5N1 influenza viruses utilizing chimeric segments and unique molecular markers.
Nutritional Resistance and Antiviral Prophylaxis Immunomodulation Testing:
Evaluate natural compounds (e.g., tannins, medium-chain monoglycerides) for their potential to enhance the immune response or provide direct neutralizing activity against HPAI. Advanced Cell Culture: Utilize chicken 2D enteroid systems and primary chicken mesenchymal stem cells (CMSCs) to study host-pathogen interactions and cytokine expression under viral challenge conditions.
mRNA Vaccine Evaluation and High-Containment Studies ABSL3 Challenge:
Execute critical animal studies for mRNA vaccine candidates, including mass-administration feasibility testing (in ovo, aerosol, and drinking water) and virulent H5N1 challenge experiments. Pathology and Sequencing: Perform tissue collection, necropsy, and genomic analysis (NGS) of challenge virus progeny to identify antigenic drift and host adaptation.
Data Management and Professional Development:
Implement project Data Management Plans (DMP), archiving datasets and submitting sequences to NCBI GenBank and SRA. Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals and present research findings at national and international scientific meetings.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification
Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., D.V.M., Sc.D.) in Virology, Immunology, Microbiology, or a related biological science field.
Technical Proficiency: Hands‑on experience with molecular cloning, protein engineering, cell culture, and handling of avian species (chickens, turkeys, ducks).
Analytical Skills: Proficiency in classical virus techniques including plaque assays and other methods of virus growth and titrations, RT-qPCR, ELISA, ELISPOT, flow cytometry, and next‑generation sequencing (NGS) analysis.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Ability to work in full personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods within ABSL2 and ABSL3 high‑containment environments.
Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Contact Details Recruitment Contact Name: Daniel Perez
Recruitment Contact Email: dperez1@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Working Title Post Doctoral Associate - Perez Lab
Department VetMed-Poultry Diagnos & Rsch
Employment Type Employee
Advertised Salary Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Anticipated Start Date 06/01/2026
Posting Date 03/12/2026
Closing Date 04/15/2026
Location Athens Area
Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants are asked to submit the following:
CV/Resume
Cover Letter
Copy of First Author Publication(s): minimum one, maximum three. Only first author publications will be evaluated
List of References with Contact Information: minimum three, maximum five
EOO Statement 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).
Position Summary The Post-Doctoral Associate will be instrumental in bridging the gap between the lab’s ongoing efforts in understanding the emergence of influenza viruses at the animal-human interface. This research is critical to determine the molecular basis of pathogenesis and transmission of these viruses and to assess the efficacy of vaccine platforms and antiviral candidates for broader protection against influenza.
The successful candidate will be a key contributor to multiple ongoing and planned research projects, with a primary focus on influenza virus immunology, pathogenesis, vaccine development, alternative antiviral interventions, and host resistance to infection.
Candidates will be assigned to one or more of the following specific projects and associated responsibilities:
Mass Vaccination-Ready Live Virus Vaccine Development Reverse Genetics:
Design and generate mono- and multivariant modified live virus (MLV) vaccines against H9N2 and H5N1 influenza viruses utilizing chimeric segments and unique molecular markers.
Nutritional Resistance and Antiviral Prophylaxis Immunomodulation Testing:
Evaluate natural compounds (e.g., tannins, medium-chain monoglycerides) for their potential to enhance the immune response or provide direct neutralizing activity against HPAI. Advanced Cell Culture: Utilize chicken 2D enteroid systems and primary chicken mesenchymal stem cells (CMSCs) to study host-pathogen interactions and cytokine expression under viral challenge conditions.
mRNA Vaccine Evaluation and High-Containment Studies ABSL3 Challenge:
Execute critical animal studies for mRNA vaccine candidates, including mass-administration feasibility testing (in ovo, aerosol, and drinking water) and virulent H5N1 challenge experiments. Pathology and Sequencing: Perform tissue collection, necropsy, and genomic analysis (NGS) of challenge virus progeny to identify antigenic drift and host adaptation.
Data Management and Professional Development:
Implement project Data Management Plans (DMP), archiving datasets and submitting sequences to NCBI GenBank and SRA. Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals and present research findings at national and international scientific meetings.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification
Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., D.V.M., Sc.D.) in Virology, Immunology, Microbiology, or a related biological science field.
Technical Proficiency: Hands‑on experience with molecular cloning, protein engineering, cell culture, and handling of avian species (chickens, turkeys, ducks).
Analytical Skills: Proficiency in classical virus techniques including plaque assays and other methods of virus growth and titrations, RT-qPCR, ELISA, ELISPOT, flow cytometry, and next‑generation sequencing (NGS) analysis.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Ability to work in full personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods within ABSL2 and ABSL3 high‑containment environments.
Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Contact Details Recruitment Contact Name: Daniel Perez
Recruitment Contact Email: dperez1@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr