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Position Title: Postdoctoral Virologist

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Program Officer

Position Highlights:

Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000, plus benefits

Position Type: Grant funded, limited-term opportunity contingent on funding

Position End Date: June 30, 2026

Location: This position will work on-site in Atlanta, GA. Relocation expenses are not provided.

Overview:

The CDC Foundation seeks candidates for a full-time postdoctoral Virologist to conduct laboratory studies to expand our knowledge of Nipah virus (NiV) disease pathogenesis and to identify and validate biomarkers for evaluation of antiviral therapeutics. The candidate will characterize, compare and contrast host responses to Nipah virus infection from 3-D human lung tissue models, from samples collected from acute NiV disease patients, as well as from cells and tissues from infected Syrian golden hamsters. The Virologist will work in collaboration with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) subject matter experts and epidemiologists at CDC, and other partners.

This full-time position will be hired by the CDC Foundation and assigned to the Viral Special Pathogens Branch within the Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at CDC’s Clifton Road campus. This is an outstanding opportunity to work with the nation’s leading agency charged with protecting the public’s health. T The salary for this position ranges from $90,000 – $110,000, based on education and experience. This is a grant funded position with funding anticipated through June 30, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct basic virologic as well as bulk and/or single cell (sc) RNA-seq analysis of various NiV infected airway and lung tissue model(s) derived from humans and Syrian golden hamsters.

a. Determine NiV-specific RNA load and infectious titer kinetics in these tissue models

b. Characterize global transcriptional responses to Nipah virus infection

c. Identify cellular composition of tissue models using online deconvolution methodologies of bulk RNA-seq data (e.g. Gene Expression Deconvolution Interactive Tool (GEDIT))

d. Develop and utilize 10x genomics scRNA-seq technology to verify cellular composition of

uninfected tissue models

e. Integrate and visualize differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in various cell subsets

2. Characterize acute human host responses to NiV infection in peripheral blood monocytic cells (PBMCs) and throat swabs (where available) from acute NiV patients.

a. Determine NiV specific RNA load and RNA load kinetics (where applicable)

b. Characterize global and cell type-specific (where applicable) transcriptional responses to NiV infection

c. Integrate and visualize differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in various cell subsets (where possible)

d. Utilize flow cytometry to phenotype and identify differentially expressed cell surface and intracellular markers induced by NiV infection

3. Effectively visualize and compare lists of DEGs between human lung tissue models and between that of Syrian golden hamster lung cells and tissues. Identify common and divergent cellular pathways induced by Nipah virus infection

4. Ensure that the full range of routine methods, procedures, techniques, and applicable quality controls are correctly conducted by referring to standard protocols.

5. Ensure proper collection of data and conduct experiments and studies, making adjustments in methods and procedures and documenting as appropriate throughout the course of the project.

6. Apply knowledge of technical rules and procedures to document and prepare analyses and reports of findings for tests and studies.

7. Contribute to reference documents, technical papers and other resources such as manuscripts to be submitted for peer-reviewed publications.

8. Participate in additional program activities as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills Necessary:

· A PhD in microbiology or virology is required from an accredited college or university

· Minimum of five years of relevant professional, postdoctoral public health experience preferred

· Experience in infectious diseases, high-consequence pathogens and in vivo imaging is required

· Strong expertise in virology techniques and modern molecular methods involving cell-based screening, next generation sequencing, laboratory automation and diagnostic assay design and validation is required

· Demonstrated ability to work independently at times as well as a member of a team

· Demonstrated effective diplomatic skills and the ability to work in close, supportive technical collaboration with individuals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds as well as a range of public health partners and stakeholders

· Proficient use of relevant computer programs including the MS Office standard suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

· Strong project management skills and ability to meet deadlines, prioritize, and stay organized

· Fluency in English (speaking, reading, writing)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.

We comply with all applicable laws including E. O. 11246 and the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 governing employment practices and do not discriminate on the basis of any unlawful criteria in accordance with 41 C. F.R. §§ 60-300.5(a)(12) and 60-741.5(a)(7). As a federal government contractor, we take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.

The CDC Foundation is a smoke-free environment.

Relocation expenses are not included.