Researcher 1

Ohio State University; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off

State retirement plan or an equivalent

Job summary

The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a Researcher 1 to perform scientific research in a high-containment virology laboratory focusing on emerging and zoonotic viruses.

The role requires designing, executing and interpreting complex experiments in molecular virology, immunology, and genomics using BSL-2/BSL-2+ containment, with occasional BSL-3 work; responsibilities include publishing, grant writing, training staff, and coordinating lab operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in a virology laboratory.
• Publication of scientific papers in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Presentation of scientific results at conferences.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments involving virus rescue, cell culture systems, viral growth kinetics, and NGS.
• Develop and optimize assays such as qPCR, RT‑PCR, plaque assays and flow cytometry.
• Perform computational analysis of sequencing data and collaborate on bioinformatics interpretations.
• Prepare publication‑quality figures and draft manuscripts for journals.
• Contribute to grant writing, progress reports, and presentations.
• Train and mentor students, visiting scholars, and new personnel on advanced virology and biosafety procedures.
• Coordinate lab operations, including reagent management, SOPs, and equipment oversight.

Skills

Virology laboratory experience

Publication of scientific papers

Presentation at conferences

Molecular virology

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

qPCR

RT‑PCR

plaque assays

virus titration

flow cytometry

genomic library preparation

Next‑generation sequencing

Job description

Researcher 1

Job Title: Researcher 1 Department: Veterinary Medicine | Veterinary Biosciences The College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University is seeking applications for a Researcher 1 position.

The Researcher 1 will perform scientific research in a high-containment virology laboratory specializing in emerging and zoonotic viruses, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), West Nile virus (WNV), and related viruses.

The position requires participation in design, execution, and interpretation of complex molecular virology, immunology, and genomics experiments using BSL-2 and BSL-2+ containment facilities, as well as involvement in BSL-3 work when trained and cleared.

Duties include:

• (1) designing and conducting experiments involving virus rescue, cell culture systems, viral growth kinetics, and next-generation sequencing;
• (2) developing and optimizing assays, including qPCR, RT-PCR, plaque assays, virus titration, flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine quantification, and genomic library preparation;
• (3) performing computational analysis of sequencing datasets and collaborating on bioinformatics interpretation;
• (4) analyzing and interpreting experimental data, preparing publication-quality figures, and drafting manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals;
• (5) contributing to grant writing, progress reports, and presentations;
• (6) training and mentoring students, visiting scholars, and newly hired personnel on advanced virology and biosafety procedures;
• (7) coordinating lab operations, including reagent management, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and equipment oversight.

Required Experience

• Experience in the virology laboratory.
• Publication of scientific papers.
• Presentation of scientific results at conferences.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in biosafety level 3 facility with virus research.

Working Conditions

Standing for extended periods; working at computer screens; working with sharps, hazardous chemicals, biohazardous, and if needed with animals.

Working Hours

Work hours will typically occur between normal business hours but may occasionally require some evenings, weekends and/or holiday hours.

Target Salary Range

Target Salary Range: $51,500.00 - $67,250.00 per year; commensurate with experience, internal equity, the unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.

Location

Location: Goss Laboratory (0180)

Position Type

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours

Scheduled Hours: 40

Shift

Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you— and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

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Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence— and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit.

We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together.

By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers.