Instructor – Computational & Systems Immunology

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Description

Position Overview

The Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology (LOBP) and the Center for ViroScience and Cure in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Instructor to join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team. This position is designed for a scientist who will bridge computational biology and virology to lead research efforts to understand and modulate the immune response to viral infections. The ideal candidate will use their expertise in multi-omics data integration and systems immunology to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers, directly supporting our mission to develop next-generation antiviral therapies. Experience in protein expression and characterization is also desirable.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead Translational Research: Drive partially independent research projects that apply computational systems biology and integrative multi-omics (single-cell genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to characterize immune cell states—particularly myeloid cells like neutrophils and monocytes—in the context of viral infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.

- Therapeutic Target Discovery: Utilize high-dimensional molecular data to discover and prioritize novel targets for antiviral and immunomodulatory drug development, with a focus on host-directed therapies that restore antimicrobial function and limit inflammation.

- Collaborative Science: Work closely with a team of virologists, medicinal chemists, modelers, structural biologists, pharmacologists, and clinicians. Translate complex biological hypotheses into actionable computational frameworks and contribute to multidisciplinary publications.

- Mentorship and Training: Mentor and train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff in computational immunology, bioinformatics, and reproducible research practices.

- Scientific Communication: Play a key role in preparing manuscripts for high-impact journals and contributing to grant applications.

- Professional Development: Actively represent LOBP at national and international conferences to present research findings, build collaborative networks, and enhance the visibility of the laboratory's work. The successful candidate will also be expected to write and submit independent grant proposals, progressively transitioning toward greater scientific independence and external funding.

Required Qualifications

- Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Biomedical Sciences, Computational Biology, Immunology, or a closely related field.

- At least 5 years of relevant experience as a post-doctoral fellow and/or Research Scientist

- Experience in protein purification and characterization.

- A strong publication record in computational immunology, integrative multi-omics, or translational bioinformatics, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.

- Proven expertise in analyzing and integrating high-dimensional datasets (e.g., single-cell RNA-seq, proteomics, metabolomics).

- Proficiency in programming languages (R, Python) and bioinformatics tools for differential expression, pathway enrichment, and network analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

- Postdoctoral experience in a relevant field, with a focus on immunology, virology, or host-pathogen interactions.

- Experience in therapeutic target identification and biomarker discovery.

- A demonstrated commitment to team science, reproducible computational infrastructure, and mentoring.

- Experience with high-performance computing and machine learning approaches for immune state classification.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a brief cover letter describing their research interests and how they align with the LOBP's mission.

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.

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: 404-727-9867 (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 [email protected] 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.