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 diversity and excellence of our academic community.

Our laboratory is located within the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. The Rollins School of Public Health is ranked 5th among public health graduate schools by U.S. News & World Report and ranked number 5 in the Blue Ridge Report amongst schools of public health receiving NIH support. The Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health houses researchers with interests spanning Environmental Health, including mechanistic and computational toxicology, genomics, the developmental origins of disease, air pollution, climate change, water, sanitation and hygiene, and environmental epidemiology. Within the department is Emory’s HERCULES Health and Exposome Research center, an NIEHS P30 Environmental Health Support Center and the first Exposome Research Center in the US. The team-science approach in this department provides opportunities to co-author publications with leading collaborators. We offer numerous opportunities for career advancement, including the ability to attend workshops on topics related to the exposome, mass spectrometry and analytical chemistry, and travel to national and international conferences. Work-related experience will be considered in determining level and salary.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• As Technical Director of a specific core with a modest or focused number of users and billings, has responsibility for the day-to-day management of core facility.
• Keeps the Core Director informed of daily activity, any issues that arise, and of customer satisfaction issues.
• Supervises core staff by orienting their daily activities.
• Provides continuous performance feedback and completes the annual performance review and goal setting for core staff.
• Participates in the hiring process for new staff.
• Oversees routing research project/studies, providing fee estimates, allocating staff time and monitoring progress.
• Oversees operations of equipment and coordinates repairs and service contracts.
• Coordinates routing user training in methodology, basic laboratory procedures and equipment operations.
• Writes and keeps current SOPs for core activity.
• Monitors quality control for the core.
• Maintains detailed documentation of core activity.
• Keeps abreast of safety procedures and monitors the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS:

The Comprehensive Laboratory for Untargeted Exposome Science (CLUES) in the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health at Emory University seeks applications for a Technical Director position to support research operations and projects focused on untargeted profiling of microplastics, endogenous and exogenous metabolites, nutrients, and toxins in human biofluids and other matrices. We are an internationally recognized laboratory in the emerging field of exposome research and provide ample opportunities for training in cutting edge high-resolution mass spectrometry methods that explore exciting research questions at the interface of environment, multi-omics and human health. The Technical Director will oversee daily operation of research activities, including operation of liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) platforms that apply omic-based metabolic phenotyping methods for precision medicine and exposome research projects. They will be responsible for project management, assuring project timelines are being met, overseeing research progress, expense recording, instrument maintenance, sample preparation and analysis, and preparation of manuscripts, annual reports and grants. They will also contribute to training and management of new laboratory team members Candidates will have opportunities for training and hands on experience in automated biological sample preparation, operation of LC-HRMS and GC-HRMS platforms, chemical identification and confirmation, processing of untargeted HRMS data, and method optimization. Areas of study include environmental determinants of non-communicable diseases (cancer and other metabolic diseases), measuring complex exposures of emerging concern, including microplastics, PFAS, and e-waste, and establishing OMIC-based strategies for universal chemical surveillance and bioeffect monitoring. The facility currently houses four LC-HRMS (Thermo Exploris 120 Orbitraps) and two GC-HRMS (2 Thermo GC-Exploris Orbitraps) and has plans to strengthen its technology base further. The exposome provides a new paradigm for understanding how complex exposures drive adverse health outcomes, and candidates will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of technological and data science methods for this emerging field of research.

 

Responsibilities include:

• Assist with preparing and analyzing biological samples with LC-HRMS or GC-HRMS
• Receipt, cataloging and inventory of biological samples
• Implement and oversee laboratory safety procedures and provide training to new members.
• Managing laboratory personnel and resources to ensure successful and timely completion of research projects.
• Track laboratory spending and finances.
• Assist with preparation of grant applications, reports and manuscripts
• Oversee daily evaluation of instrument performance and QA/QC, with ability to troubleshoot if results do not satisfy pass/fail criteria.
• Method development, verification, and establishing assay suitability criteria.
• Summarization and reporting of targeted and untargeted HRMS data.
• Provide weekly updates on study progress to the laboratory director.
• Support laboratory activities as needed.

The position requires the development of sample preparation and instrumental methods for high-throughput methods to measure small molecules in complex biological specimens. The most appropriate candidates would have a PhD in engineering, mass spectrometry, or other analytical chemistry related fields. Previous experience with method development using LC-MS is required. Training in untargeted analysis methods and the use of R, Python, or other scripting languages is preferred. The ideal candidate must exhibit meticulous attention to detail, have excellent written and oral communication abilities, possess strong quantitative laboratory skills, and be familiar with good laboratory practices. They must also have strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to independently meet project timelines. Candidates who may not have extensive experience but are eager to learn and highly organized are encouraged to apply.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD or MD and two years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab.
• A master's degree and four years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab or a bachelor's degree and six years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab or an associate's degree and eight years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab may also be considered.
• Internship experience or experience prior to attaining the qualifying degree is not considered eligible work experience for this job classification.
• Detailed knowledge of the laboratory technique or equipment required to support core services.

NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, 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. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.

Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.