Research Technical Specialist, School of Medicine - Microbiology & Immunology

Emory University; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Emory University invites applications for a multidisciplinary project focused on respiratory virus transmission modeling in ferret experiments. The role centers on building mechanistic models linking behavioral tracking data to infection outcomes and viral dynamics, using Bayesian and likelihood methods.

You will design and fit models, interpret results, maintain documentation, train colleagues in relevant tools, and contribute to publications and presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field is required.
• Seven years of professional research experience required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanistic models of viral transmission and within-host dynamics.
• Fit models to behavioral tracking data, infection outcomes, and viral load measurements using Bayesian or likelihood methods.
• Maintain documentation and code quality; share expertise and train others in relevant tools.
• Prepare figures for publications and presentations; co-author papers and present findings at meetings.

Skills

Quantitative modeling

Bayesian inference

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific field

Seven years of professional research experience

Tools

R

Python

Julia

Job description

Discover Your Career at Emory University

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 excellence of our academic community.

Description

The Zarnitsyna lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory University School of Medicine is recruiting for a new multidisciplinary project on respiratory virus transmission. The project combines video‑recorded ferret transmission experiments with machine learning–based behavioral tracking and mechanistic mathematical modeling to determine how contact behavior, contact duration, fomite sharing, and viral shedding together shape infection risk. The long‑term goal is to translate this framework to human challenge studies and household cohorts to inform evidence‑based mitigation strategies. This position focuses specifically on the mathematical modeling component: building and fitting mechanistic models that link the behavioral tracking data to infection outcomes and viral dynamics.

Working with Dr. Zarnitsyna, the candidate will design and develop mechanistic models of influenza transmission in ferret experiments, including within‑host viral dynamics and stochastic transmission‑kernel models, and fit them to behavioral tracking data, infection outcomes, and viral load measurements using Bayesian and likelihood‑based inference. Additional responsibilities include interpreting results, following the literature, maintaining documentation and quality standards for data and code, sharing expertise and training others in relevant tools, preparing figures for publications and presentations, and co‑authoring papers and presenting findings at scientific meetings.

The position can start immediately.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Functions as a skilled individual contributor or lead researcher on one or more research projects, serving as an expert in specialized area(s).
• Designs, develops and conducts large and/or complex research experiments.
• Reviews progress of research and evaluates results.
• Shares expertise in equipment operation and laboratory techniques.
• Refines/adapts methodologies to fit specific experiment requirements.
• Collaborates in the development of new techniques.
• Co‑authors publications and may co‑present findings with Principal Investigator at meetings/conferences.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in a scientific field.
• Seven years of professional research experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree (e.g., M.S., M.P.H.) in a quantitative discipline, life science, or public health (e.g., biostatistics, epidemiology)
• Programming experience in R, Julia, or Python, including reproducible workflows.
• Ability to work effectively across experimental and computational teams.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in‑person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination.

Emory University complies with 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 (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities).

Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.

Telephone: [phone] (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at [e-mail] or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.