Research Assistant - Machado Lab

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Assistant to support vital biosecurity initiatives within a dynamic lab environment. This role involves coordinating daily operations, managing data, and engaging with stakeholders to enhance livestock industry preparedness against foreign animal disease outbreaks. The successful candidate will work closely with a dedicated team, contributing to innovative research and development efforts aimed at improving animal health. Join a collaborative atmosphere where your skills in project management and data analysis will make a significant impact on public health and veterinary medicine.

Qualifications

• Strong project management skills to coordinate daily operations.
• Ability to analyze data and develop models for disease prevention.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily operations of RABapp for smooth execution.
• Organize workshops and supervise data collection staff.

Skills

Project Management

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Biosecurity Planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field

Tools

GIS Software

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Number: PG193917EP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Research Assistant - Machado Lab

Anticipated Hiring Range: $50,000-$60,000

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Department of Population Health and Pathobiology

About the Department

The mission of the Department of Population Health and Pathobiology is to recruit, train, inspire, and graduate Doctors of Veterinary Medicine with exemplary knowledge, skill, and character. To maintain the intellectual and professional climate necessary to accomplish this mission, the department's faculty will advance veterinary medical science through innovative basic and applied research, inspired mentoring of students (undergraduate, professional, residents, and graduate), excellence in clinical and diagnostic services, and innovative extension and engagement activities.

North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is a dynamic community dedicated to preparing veterinarians and veterinarian scientists while advancing animal and human health. Established in 1985, it is one of the newer veterinary colleges but has gained international recognition for its teaching, research, engagement, and patient care, ranking third among 28 colleges according to U.S. News & World Report.

The CVM is located on 180 acres near downtown Raleigh, with 20 buildings on the main Centennial Biomedical Campus. It offers a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, along with master's and doctoral programs in various specialties.

Essential Job Duties

Purpose of the Position: Support the Rapid Access Biosecurity (RABapp) systems team and research activities within the Machado Laboratory.

RABapp Overview: RABapp is a web-based system aiding livestock and poultry producers and animal health officials in developing biosecurity plans, tracking disease transmission, and improving emergency preparedness for foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreaks. It involves collaboration among academic researchers, industry, and government entities to enhance livestock industry preparedness.

Key functions include:

• Biosecurity Planning: Developing and reviewing biosecurity plans for various livestock sectors.
• Real-Time Traceability: Tracking animal, vehicle, and semen movements to respond to FAD outbreaks.
• Disease Transmission Modeling: Using data to develop models for disease spread prevention.

About the Machado Laboratory: Led by Associate Professor Dr. Machado, the lab specializes in infectious disease transmission models, focusing on food animal epidemiology and disease control strategies. Current projects address major livestock diseases such as African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, PRRSV, and PEDV.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate daily operations of RABapp, ensuring smooth program execution.
2. Organize and lead workshops and training sessions.
3. Supervise staff involved in data collection and biosecurity plan preparation.
4. Manage datasets in various formats and develop GIS-based biosecurity maps.
5. Engage with industry and government stakeholders across multiple states.
6. Contribute to developing new functionalities for RABapp.
7. Assist with lab activities, research discussions, and compliance management.
8. Foster relationships within the research team and external partners.
9. Oversee onboarding and training for new staff.

This role requires strong project management, data analysis, and communication skills to support biosecurity, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness initiatives.

Other Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.