Research Professional

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Research Professional.

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

We are looking for a highly qualified Research professional with advanced knowledge in animal parasitology, stress physiology, nutrition, microbiology, and meat quality. The role involves designing and conducting research studies, overseeing laboratory operations, publishing in peer reviewed journals, and utilizing advanced laboratory and molecular techniques. This position supports our mission to enhance animal health, productivity, and product quality through innovative and applied research.

• Conduct advanced research on animal stress physiology, nutrition, growth, reproduction, parasitology, and meat quality, integrating laboratory and field-based approaches. Design, implement, and evaluate experiments involving small ruminants (e.g., goats), including blood, meat, and rumen sampling, and analyze physiological and biochemical responses.
• Utilize advanced molecular and laboratory techniques, including ELISA, mRNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, western blotting, calorimetry, hematology, and blood chemistry analysis. Maintain and calibrate a wide range of laboratory instruments (spectrophotometers, plate readers, hematology analyzers, biochemistry analyzers, calorimeters, etc.).
• Manage animal herds during research, including monitoring behavior, welfare, stress responses, and productivity. Supervise and train students and research staff in laboratory techniques, experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
• Use of machine learning based image classification to identify different Lespedeza species, classify FAMACHA scores for anemia detection, and detect mastitis in animals.
• Analyze data using statistical and bioinformatics tools (Microsoft Office 365 tools, SAS), prepare detailed reports, and contribute to scientific publications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, present research findings at professional conferences.

• Master's degree in animal science, veterinary science, or related field.
• At least 3 years of research experience in animal science, stress physiology, nutrition, parasitology, or related areas.

• DVM or Equivalent degree.
• Research experience of at least five years in Animal Sciences or related degree.
• Hands-on experience with large-scale animal research projects and conference presentations.
• Had prior experience working with small ruminants.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics and statistical analysis for large datasets (e.g., metabolomics, RNA-seq).

• Expertise in animal physiology, nutrition, parasitology, microbiology, and meat science.
• Proficiency with molecular biology and analytical techniques (PCR, ELISA, RNA-seq, western blotting, calorimetry, metabolomics).
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience managing and researching small ruminants, including blood and tissue sampling.
• Ability to supervise and mentor students and contribute to collaborative research teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to present findings at scientific meetings.

• Research laboratories, animal research facilities, and field environments.
• Everyday activities include responding to emails, phone calls, and team discussions in addition to the research duties.
• Requires handling animals,…