"Research Assistant - Immunology Center of Georgia"

Job Summary

The Research Assistant in the Rasheed Lab will be part of a dynamic team at the Medical College of Georgia investigating the intersection between metabolism, immunity, and cell death in cardiovascular disease. Responsibilities of this position include management of animal colonies and research personnel, some aspects of research projects and finances, under the supervision of Dr. Rasheed. Additional opportunities will be discussed on a as needed basis.

Responsibilities

The duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordination of Lab Efforts: Oversee and coordinate Rasheed laboratory activities, including research projects. This will include maintaining and ordering laboratory inventory. Create and update relevant laboratory scientific and administrative protocols. Train and supervise other laboratory personnel on laboratory techniques and compliance with regulations as outlined by institutional and federal guidelines. Use independent judgement in the daily operations of the lab to ensure safe and efficient use of resources.
• Vivarium Management/Animal Handling: Establish, maintain, and track breeding colonies, as well as management of mice for experimental use; including weaning and genotyping. Perform animal procedures as necessary, including injections, biological sample collection, euthanasia, and participation in animal sacrifices. Keep records of all animal colonies, including mice used for breeding and experiments.
• Finances: Management of the laboratory budget, including tracking all incoming sources of funding and laboratory expenses. Interact with vendors and administration (institutional and federal) regarding order tracking, invoices/payments, and relevant financial reports.
• Research-related Tasks: Assist Dr. Rasheed with initiating new projects in the laboratory, as well as the preparation and collection of data for grant applications. This will involve performing basic laboratory techniques and complex data analysis using the appropriate techniques/software, as well as creation of publication-quality figures. Assist other research personnel of the Rasheed laboratory with their individual projects. Actively contribute to publications through the generation of data, providing critical feedback, and in some cases, composition of manuscripts.
• Other: Perform all other job-related duties incidental to work described herein and as discussed with Dr. Rasheed

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, cell biology or other natural, life, health care or materials science directly related to the research area to which the position is assigned and experience in a research, basic science or clinical setting particularly clinical trials research; OR Associate degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, cell biology or other natural, life, health care or materials science directly related to the research area to which the position is assigned and a minimum of three years' experience in a research, basic science or clinical setting particularly clinical trials research.

Preferred Qualifications

Some previous experience with social/behavioral science (public health) research is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE

Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Detail-oriented with strong organizational and critical thinking skills.

ABILITIES

Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to use sound judgement and work independently.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Days; Monday - Friday (Work outside of normal business hours may be required). Pay Band: B5. Salary Minimum: $17.88 per hour. Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position. Recruitment Period: Until Filled. Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays. Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.