Research Associate- MCG-Physiology

Job Summary

This position provides administrative and technical oversight in a cardiorenal research laboratory in the Department of Physiology. Responsibilities include ensuring research protocols are followed and met, safety guidelines are followed in accordance with institution and government regulations, management of laboratory resources, providing teaching and technical oversight to trainees and research staff, processing of data, presents findings and assists Principal Investigator (PI) with current and future research applications and programs of study, and coordinates administrative and technical arrangements of animal models and maintains records related to use.

The position will make independent decisions related to routine laboratory tasks, including prioritizing daily experimental activities, preparing samples according to established protocols, and ensuring data is accurately recorded and stored. The research associate will independently identify and address minor equipment or procedural issues and determine when to escalate concerns to the supervisor. These decisions directly impact data quality, laboratory efficiency, and adherence to safety and research standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate research activities in the lab, instruct research staff and students, and advise regarding research techniques. Mentor graduate students and junior trainees, helping to develop their technical skills and guide their research efforts. Collaborate with lab members to assist with their research activities, offering support in experimental execution and troubleshooting. Foster a collaborative and productive work environment where all lab members are supported in meeting research objectives.
• Coordinate administrative and technical arrangements of animal models and maintain records related to use. Perform animal colony maintenance and surgical procedures such as i.p. injections, gavage, and euthanasia. Assist PI with animal protocols, preparation, and submission.
• Perform complex data analysis related to producing research results and prepare findings for future development, develop new studies in coordination with the PI. Plan research protocols and direct proper execution of the research plans by other laboratory staff. Prepare samples, reagents, and buffers following established protocols. Carry out experiments involving small animal surgery, scanning heart and kidney using ultrasound, molecular biology techniques, gel electrophoresis, western blot, transfection, restriction enzyme digests, plasmid isolation and DNA RNA isolation.
• Assist with processing, organizing, and analyzing research data. Maintain accurate laboratory records and mouse colony records, experimental logs, and data files. Contribute to preparation of figures, reports, and summaries for research meetings and publications.
• Participate in the tracking and monitoring of budgetary resources to ensure effective lab operations. Interface with vendors and administration regarding order tracking and invoices/payments.
• Supports day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment setup, calibration, and basic maintenance. Manages laboratory supplies, inventory, and ordering of consumables. Ensures compliance with laboratory safety procedures and institutional regulations.
• Perform all other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Master'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 research, basic science, or clinical laboratory particularly clinical trial research.
OR
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 a minimum of three years of research and/or clinical experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with small animal surgery and maintaining mouse colonies (breeding, culling, and weaning).
Ability to identify offspring using strain-specific genotyping assays.
Proficiency in cell culture, transfection, transduction, and flow cytometry.
Experience with echocardiograms and routine laboratory techniques.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Independent judgement and meticulous record-keeping.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work effectively with animal models.
Ability to multi-task and coordinate complex projects independently while meeting deadlines.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days; Monday - Friday (Work outside of normal business hours may be required).
Salary: $45,400-$56,700 annually.
Pay Band: B8
Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position.
This position is (fully/partially) funded through external sources. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of these funds.
Recruitment Period: Until Filled.

Location

Augusta University
Our Health Sciences Campus: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912
Our Summerville Campus: 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904

Job ID

297426

How To Apply

Search Job ID: 297426.
Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university.
Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee.
If you need further assistance, please contact us at 706-721-9365.
To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=12000&JobOpeningId=297426&PostingSeq=1