Postdoctoral Research Associate- Joshi
Posting Details
Position Details
Posting Number G/R32242P Working Title Postdoctoral Research Associate- Joshi Department VetMed-Precision One Health About the University of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/) . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About The College/Unit/Department
The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health.
The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community .
College/Unit/Department website Employment Type Employee Additional Schedule Information Advertised Salary Anticipated Start Date 04/01/2026 Posting Date 02/19/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must apply though UGA job portal and submit the following materials:
• Cover letter describing your research interests, relevant experience and fit with this position
• A curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three references
Applications will be reviewed in a rolling basis. For full consideration, please apply by February 30, 2026. We are seeking a candidate who can start immediately; however, the start date is negotiable .
Citizenship is required due to federal security requirements for conducting research at the USDA facility.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area EOO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Cloning influenza antigens into viral vectors
Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities
Designing and conducting vaccine trials in animal models
Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities
Performing immunological and virological analyses on samples collected from animal experiments
Percentage of time 15 Duties/Responsibilities
Developing adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing broadly neutralizing antibodies
Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities
Maintaining virus stocks and performing virus isolation, titration and neutralization assay
Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities
Conducting bioinformatics and statistical data analysis
Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities
Mentoring junior lab members and presenting researching findings at national and international meetings
Percentage of time 5
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AD FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.0 Minimum Qualifications Position Summary
The College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research associate position within the Precision One Health Initiative. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral associate to work on highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) vaccine related projects. This position is focused on the development of vectored vaccines and replicon vaccines against HPAIV. The successful candidate will develop recombinant viral vectors and conduct vaccine efficacy trials in animal models. Our laboratory utilizes adeno-associated virus (AAV) for antibody delivery, and the candidate will have the opportunity to gain experience on AAV-mediated gene delivery. The efficacy of vaccine and antibody delivery platforms will be evaluated multiple animal models including, mice, chickens and cattle. The candidate will develop recombinant viruses expressing HPAI antigens, perform in vitro characterization of recombinant vectors and evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of vaccine candidates. The project will be conducted in collaboration with the USDA Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory (SEPRL). The candidate will have the opportunity to work with interdisciplinary teams at the UGA and SEPRL.
The candidate will generate recombinant viral vectors expressing influenza antigens, perform cell culture and virus culture, conduct advanced virological and immunological assays, prepare libraries for next-generation sequencing and conduct animal experiments in BSL-2 and BSL-3 containment facilities. The candidate will analyze and interpret data, including next-generation sequencing data, present finding at conferences, and prepare manuscripts for publication. The candidate is also expected to mentor graduate and undergraduate laboratory members.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for a dedicated postdoctoral researcher to advance their skills in virology, immunology and vaccine development. The fellow will work closely with Dr. Joshi and collaborators at the USDA. The position provides a collaborative research environment and training to support career transitions into biotech industry or the development of independent research career in academia. The candidate will also have to opportunity to contribute to grant applications.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position
Applicants must have a PhD in Virology or a related area of biomedical sciences and are expected to have training in molecular cloning and virus culture, as well as prior experience working with animal models. They should have proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (GraphPad Prism, RStudio). Experience with flow-cytometry and next-generation sequencing data analysis is preferred. Previous experience working in a BSL-3 lab is desirable. Candidates are expected to work both independently and collaboratively and should be willing to mentor junior laboratory members.
Citizenship is required due to federal security requirements for conducting research at the USDA facility.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Physical Demands Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a requirement of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .
Contact Information
Recruitment Contact
Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Lok Joshi Recruitment Contact Email Lok.Joshi@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents
Higher Education
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Full-time