Research Professional III

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

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.

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday- Friday

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

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.

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

This position will be responsible for managing BSL-2 laboratory activities for CIVIC and SPARTA. This position will process blood samples from people, will perform PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva, perform cell culture, media supernatant harvesting, protein purification, western blots, protein quantification, ELISA. Communication daily with the SPARTA and Scientific Coordinator are important to maintain cohesive unit. The position will manage responsibilities of research technicians for the laboratory support duties such as washing and autoclaving glassware, routine and preventative maintenance of lab equipment. The position also manages research technicians responsible for preparing culture media, reagents, buffers, and other solutions. The position will order, stock, and inventory supplies; maintain a clean and sterile lab environment; assist with administration duties such as package shipping and receiving. The position is necessary for the continued excellence and productivity of laboratory activities.

Funding for position is contingent upon NIH yearly renewal. Continuation of employment, while probable, is not guaranteed.

Read and develop basic understanding of research project protocols. Existing knowledge or willingness to learn BSL-2 laboratory activities. Effective communication skills. Demonstrate critical thinking skills while carrying out instructions. Maintain a high degree of confidentiality, while providing consultation to a variety of stakeholders. Maintain a positive attitude and calm demeanor throughout stressful situations. Accept constructive criticism. Basic computer knowledge in MSWord and Excel.

* Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
* Sit, stand, stoop, bend, and walk intermittently during the day on hard floor surfaces.
* Work with small, delicate pieces of equipment or large heavy objects/containers/machinery.
* Wear needed protective gear (e.g., facemask, gloves, gown, hairnet, safety goggles).
* Work for long periods of time with arms extended.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

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.

Lead in research projects involving COVID vaccine studies in humans immune responses and process human blood samples. Manage responsibilities of research technicians for the laboratory support duties such as washing and autoclaving glassware, routine and preventative maintenance of lab equipment. Manage research technicians responsible for preparing culture media, reagents, buffers and other solutions.

Perform assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva and efficacy testing. Process blood samples from people, perform PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva, perform cell culture, media supernatant harvesting, protein purification, western blots, protein quantification, ELISA.

Maintain and coordinate records with the principal investigator and senior scientists. Communicate daily with the SPARTA and Scientific Coordinator in order to maintain a cohesive unit. Order, stock and inventory supplies; maintain a clean and sterile lab environment; assist with administration duties such as package shipping and receiving.

Perform molecular biology, tissue culture cells, protein and DNA plasmid preparation.