Research Assistant - MCG Pharmacology & Toxicology

Augusta University; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition Assistance Program

Paid holidays

Job summary

Augusta University’s Pharmacology and Toxicology department invites applications for a Research Assistant in the MCG program. The role will support routine laboratory tasks including maintenance of cell cultures, basic molecular biology techniques, biochemical assays, tissue collection, and genotyping.

You will assist the principal investigator and staff with experiments and data collection. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, cell biology, social sciences, natural sciences, life, health care, or materials science directly related to the research area to which the position is assigned and experience in a research or clinical setting.
• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, cell biology, social sciences, natural sciences, 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 or clinical area.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine tasks in the research laboratory including maintenance of cell cultures, basic molecular biology, biochemical assays, tissue collection and genotyping.
• Assist PI and Research staff with experimental procedures and data collection and general maintenance of laboratory resources and equipment.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

Job description

Research Assistant - MCG Pharmacology & Toxicology

Job ID: 302642

Location: Augusta University

Full/Part Time: Full Time

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.

College/Department Information

Pharmacology and Toxicology was established as a department at the Medical College of Georgia in 1943. Originally developed to discover how remedies and poisons effected man, modern pharmacology lays the groundwork to discover and develop future generations of therapeutics. Pharmacology's scope has broadened to include computer-assisted drug design; genetic screens; protein engineering; and new drug-delivery vehicles like viruses and artificial cells. The department's history of accomplishments includes the discovery of the adrenergic receptor subtypes-alpha and beta which led to developing several drugs used to treat cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular and neuroscience studies are the focuses of the department's research programs. Raymond P. Ahlquist, working in this Department, first defined alpha- and beta‑adrenergic receptors in 1948. This discovery eventually led to the development of beta blocker drugs for hypertension and heart disease.

Job Summary

Position responsibilities include carrying out routine tasks in the research laboratory to include maintenance of cell cultures, basic molecular biology, biochemical assays, tissue collection and genotyping. Position will assist PI and Research staff with experimental procedures and data collection of research as well as general maintenance of laboratory resources and equipment.

Responsibilities

• EXPERIMENTS: Duties include, but not limited to maintenance and propagation of mammalian cell cultures, transfection, gene editing, gene cloning, genotyping, Western blotting, mouse breeding, microscopy. The position duties also include procurement and maintenance of laboratory resources and upkeep of the laboratory. Perform the experiments designed by the PI in the laboratory using biochemical, cell culture, and molecular assays. Perform breeding, maintenance, and maintain the database for animals. Schedule all treatment protocols and treat animals. Participate in project planning and development of research protocols and publications.
• ANALYZE: Analyze results of experiments using manual or computer techniques. Summarize and evaluate findings. Generate figures for publication.
• ORDER SUPPLY: Order supplies and stock lab, photocopying, clean and maintain laboratory and equipment.
• OTHER: Perform other related duties as assigned by the PI.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, cell biology, social sciences, natural sciences, life, health care, or materials science directly related to the research area to which the position is assigned and experience in a research or clinical setting.
• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, cell biology, social sciences, natural sciences, 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 or clinical area.

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 prioritization and organizational skills.
• ABILITIES Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability and willingness to work with research animals. Ability to use sound judgment and work independently.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

• Shift: Days; M-F (Work outside of the standard business hours may be required)
• Pay Band: B5
• Salary: $17.88/hourly - $21.92/hourly
• 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
• 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.

Conditions of Employment

• All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.
• If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.
• Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.
• For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post‑secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
• All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

Other Information

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success." Augusta University is a tobacco‑free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.