"Senior Research Assistant- MCG- Vascular Biology Center"

About Us

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values make Augusta University an institution like no other.

Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state.

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.

Location

Augusta University

Our Health Sciences Campus: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912

Our Summerville Campus: 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904

College/Department Information

Researching Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Stroke, Hypertension, Diabetes. With the increasing frequency of obesity and diabetes, especially in Georgia, cardiovascular disease is reaching epidemic proportions. The Vascular Biology Center at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University knows the demand is high for new and better treatments. Our internationally recognized team of research experts have one goal - to make breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of disease so that we all may live longer, healthier lives.

Job Summary

Manage a moderate-sized mouse colony comprising some 10 unique strains. A deep understanding of mouse breeding practices, PCR-based genotyping, and tissue isolations is required. Careful record keeping and database management of the mice is also an integral component. Help direct postdocs and students with their own mouse studies. Assist in cell culture and perform molecular biology assays (eg, Western blotting, qRT-PCR).

Responsibilities

Mouse colony maintenance, genotyping and inventory updates. PCR, gel electrophoresis, and documentation of gels with accurate labeling and upkeep in notebook. Euthanasia of mice to keep mouse census low is of critical importance. In addition, timed matings for embryo collection will occasionally be needed. Tamoxifen administration is needed for specific strains used to conditional delete a gene or activate a reporter used in fluorescence microscopy.

Assistance in cell culture, Western blot. Frozen sectioning; immunostaining.

Assisting postdocs and students with experimental mice held, including assistance with genotyping, euthanasia, qRT-PCR, and immunostaining of sections of tissues, and tissue harvesting for downstream applications.

Assist postdocs and students with downstream applications of mouse tissue harvesting, including Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and immunostaining of sections of tissues.

Develop new PCR protocols and Genotyping Schematics for facile genotyping and training purposes.

Cross-coverage ordering and lab maintenance as needed.

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 research, basic science, or a clinical setting particularly clinical trials research and minimum of two years of applicable experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong experience in mouse work, including mouse surgery, tissue isolation, and physiology measurement such as ultrasound and blood pressure measurement. Background in molecular biology is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases or willingness to learn.

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Detail-oriented with strong multi-tasking, problem solving, prioritization and organizational skills.

ABILITIES

Ability to maintain confidentiality, complete work and meet deadlines.

Energetic, goal-oriented self-starter.

Willingness and ability to work with research animals.

Ability to work independently with only general supervision.

Highly motivated with a strong work ethic and desire to learn.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days; Monday - Friday (Work outside of normal business hours may be required).

Salary: $18.85-$22.11 per hour.

Pay Band: B6

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the 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. Consider applying with us today!