Research Assistant - MCG Physiology

Augusta University; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

13 paid holidays

Retirement program

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia Department of Physiology is seeking a Research Assistant to support basic science projects in a dynamic lab setting. The role involves handling animal tissue preparation, data collection, and analytical work under the supervision of the PI.

Strong organizational skills and meticulous data recording are essential. Applicants should have a solid grounding in chemistry/biology with laboratory experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, cell biology or related field with research experience.
• OR Associate's degree with minimum three years' experience in a research setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform data analysis related to producing results and prepare findings.
• Assist PI in design of experimental protocols and materials.
• Assist with feeding, watering and care of animals and maintain records.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Detail-oriented

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/biology

Associate's degree in chemistry/biology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Research Assistant - MCG Physiology

Job ID: 304577

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 https://www.augusta.edu/about/mission.php 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 https://www.usg.edu/hr/orientation/welcome_to_the_board_of_regents_university_system_office 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

The Medical College of Georgia Department of Physiology's focus is the framework of the body's cells, organs and systems, how they work, and how abnormal function leads to disease. The department is dedicated to outstanding research and excellence in education. Our federally funded scientists study some of the nation's top killers like cardiovascular disease and hypertension, and train independent, creative, productive scholars and PhD graduates, who publish in top tier journals and who are competitive for positions wherever they choose to go. The department offers programs leading to the PhD degree. By virtue of their interdisciplinary training, the department's graduates compete successfully for positions in medical schools, universities, government, and industry.

Job Summary

This position requires the daily performance of complex chemical, biological and animal tissue preparation in the setting of a basic science research lab. In addition, the position will conduct experiments and record the experimental results in the lab, as well as the position will develop and evaluate new techniques and procedures and function independently on small less complex projects. The incumbent will also perform blood sampling; blood pressure studies; and data acquisition, analyses and tabulation.

Research in our laboratory bridges basic science and clinical applications to understand the pathogenesis of kidney disease. We investigate how gut microbial metabolites regulate immune function, linking microbiome-derived signals to hypertension and renal injury. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates patch‑clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, confocal microscopy, and comprehensive molecular and histological techniques.

Responsibilities

• RESEARCH EXPERIMENTS: Perform data analysis related to producing research results and preparing findings. Assist PI in design of experimental protocols. Participate in preparation of media, stains and reagents.
• RESEARCH INTEGRATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Actively participate in lab meetings, which includes staying apprised of related scientific literature to enhance level of participation and further research in the lab.
• LABORATORY ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND COMPLIANCE: Assist with feeding, watering and general care of animals (both pre‑ and post‑operative). Coordinate administrative and technical arrangements of animal models and maintain records related to use as directed.
• LABORATORY SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE: Operate computer‑based data acquisition systems, chart recorders and signal amplification equipment. Calibrate, troubleshoot and make minor repairs on laboratory equipment.
• LABORATORY FINANCIAL COORDINATION: Participate in the tracking and monitoring of budgetary resources to ensure effective lab operations.
• RESEARCH INTEGRITY AND OPERATIONAL SAFETY: Use independent judgement in the daily operation of the lab to ensure safe and efficient use of resources. Monitor use of resources to ensure compliance with Federal guidelines and institutional protocols.
• OTHER: Perform all other duties as assigned.

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 a research, basic science or clinical setting particularly clinical trials research, OR Associate'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' experience in a research, basic science or clinical setting particularly clinical trials research.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced experience in rodent ultrasound and renal histology assessment, including slide scanning. Proficient in basic animal procedures and husbandry, with a strong background in data analysis using GraphPad and Microsoft Excel.

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.
• Strong critical thinking skills and a proactive approach to problem solving.

Abilities

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to handle research animals (rodents).
• Ability to manage complex projects independently.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

• Shift: Days; M-F (Work outside of the standard business hours may be required)
• Pay Band: B5
• Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum‑midpoint) of the position
• 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.