"Senior Research Assistant- MCG- Vascular Biology Center"

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

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.