Research Professional

External Retirement Plan TRS –

Employment Type

& Benefits

External Retirement Plan – Special Assignment – External. The University of Georgia (UGA) is a highly respected state institution. Position is open until filled.

Classification

Title:

Research Paraprofessional/Professional – FLSA non‑exempt FTE 100.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexibility required.

Salary: $35,568 – $39,125 (USD).

Works independently and with others to design and develop components of on average five to eight ongoing projects and provides supervision and guidance for graduate students, veterinary students, and other technicians within the department.

Planning and executing data analysis and summary of molecular biology: DNA/RNA extraction, cloning-homologous recombination/TA cloning, agarose gel and capillary gel electrophoresis, PCR design and execution (primer design, reaction optimization) including standard PCR, qRT‑PCR, and PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR), sequence analysis, recombinant protein expression, immunoblotting, RNAScope, and protein isolation. Characterization of vaccine candidates for Cytauxzoon felis including determination of intron/exon structure and sequence conservation across geographic isolates, assessment of expression of candidates within different parasite life‑stages using novel techniques such as RNAScope in situ hybridization, optimization of PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR).

Training of students and other staff for many of these experiments is expected. Reproducibility of data and clear presentation of data will be a measure of success.

Laboratory management:
Establishing and editing SOPs, guidance for proper storage/submission of clinical flow cytometry samples to the members of the CVM/VMC and outside veterinarians, autoclaving, glass washing, stock ordering and inventory organization, preparation of solutions, and equipment maintenance. Provides training to graduate students and technicians in these areas.

• Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2‑year degree, or professional certificate.
• Knowledge, skills and abilities:
  
  Molecular biology techniques – PCR, RT‑qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, electrophoresis, cloning, protein isolation, and immunoblotting;
  Cell culture – isolation and maintenance of cells, media preparation, and cryopreservation.
• Physical demands:
  Able to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

• Experience with vaccine candidate development in veterinary parasitology.
• Expertise in flow cytometry (canine and feline) and ELISPOT/Luminex assays.
• Strong data analysis and reproducibility skills.
• Prior supervisory or training experience with graduate students or technicians.

Background investigation including criminal background check, credentials and employment history confirmation, and credit check (if applicable). Positions requiring financial responsibility must clear credit check.

Recruitment Contact: (contact details withheld for privacy).

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.