Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Georgia

Athens (GA)

On-site

USD 54,000 - 74,000

Full time

14 days+

A complete application in a minute

Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Sabatini Lab, contributing to NIH-funded work on epigenetic regulation of mRNA transcription in Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania.

The role involves designing and performing experiments, data interpretation, manuscript and grant support, and mentoring trainees with a focus on molecular biology and parasite cell culture techniques.

Qualifications

PhD in biochemistry or a related field; strong molecular biology training required.
Experience with parasite systems (Trypanosoma brucei / Leishmania) is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to design rigorous experiments and analyze complex data.

Responsibilities

Design, perform, and analyze experiments on epigenetic regulation of gene expression in parasites.
Interpret and present data; contribute to manuscripts and grant materials.
Mentor trainees and collaborate with team members.

Skills

DNA/RNA isolation

qPCR

RT-PCR

Molecular cloning

Protein expression

SDS-PAGE

Western blotting

Parasite cell culture

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology / Cell Biology / Genetics

Tools

NCBI/BLAST

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Special Instructions to Applicants

With your applicant documents, please include evidence of degree for your PhD in Other Documents #1. This can be in the form of transcripts showing that you have graduated or a copy of your diploma.

Please also provide a brief research summary in Other Documents #2.

Please be sure to include 3 references with contact information.

Posting Details

Position Details

Posting Number G/R34872P

Working Title Postdoctoral Research Associate

Department Franklin-Biochemistry

About the University of Georgia Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship, and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units. College/Unit/Department website https://www.bmb.uga.edu/

Employment Type Employee

Additional Schedule Information

Advertised Salary $64,000

Anticipated Start Date 11/01/2026

Posting Date 10/01/2026

Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes

Duties/Responsibilities

Design, perform, and analyze scientific experiments regarding epigenetic regulation of gene expression in Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania. This will include developing experimental protocols, assembling needed reagents, and conducting experiments utilizing research protocols for in vitro parasite cell culture and transformation and performing various molecular assays (DNA / RNA extraction and purification, qPCR, qRT- PCR and recombinant protein expression) to characterize the mechanism of RNA Pol II transcription and regulated gene expression in the protozoan parasites.
Analyze, interpret, organize, and present experimental data.
Contribute to manuscripts, grant materials, reports, protocols, and trainee mentoring.

Percentage of time 75

Percentage of time 15

Percentage of time 10

Position Details

Position Information Classification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AD FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications Position Summary The UGA Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is seeking highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Researchers to join the Sabatini Lab and contribute to a NIH -funded research program investigating epigenetic regulation of mRNA transcription and gene expression in Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, or related field.

Preferred technical experience:

Mammalian or parasite cell culture and growth assays
Basic level skills as a molecular biologist/or biochemist
Experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and figure generation
Scientific writing, protocol development, and grant-related materials

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Experience with basic level skills as a molecular biologist/or biochemist, including: DNA / RNA isolation, qPCR, RT- PCR , molecular cloning and plasmid preparation, recombinant protein expression, SDS - PAGE , Western/Southern blotting, Mammalian or parasite cell culture and growth assays.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Independently plan and execute rigorous experiments; troubleshoot complex assays.

Work collaboratively with faculty, trainees, and collaborators.

Exceptional organizational skills and multitasking abilities. Candidates should be comfortable balancing hands-on bench work with broader contributions including data interpretation, and preparation of scientific presentations.

General computing skills and proficiency at using scientific databases NCBI / BLAST .

Physical Demands Normal lab activity; sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping.

Security and Background

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes. Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes. Does this position require a P-Card? No. Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No. Is driving a requirement of this position? No. Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No. Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No.

Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable.

UGA Background Check website.

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

Equal Opportunity

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.

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Name Dr. Robert Sabatini

Recruitment Contact Email sabatini@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents