Research Professional-Moreno

Georgia 4-H; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Moreno Laboratory at the University of Georgia seeks a Research Professional to lead advanced projects on calcium signaling, organelle communication, and mitochondrial physiology in Toxoplasma gondii. This senior-level role involves independent experimental design, data analysis, and mentorship.

The successful candidate will design experiments, supervise CRISPR-based work, and contribute to grant ideas and manuscripts, working with a dynamic team in Athens.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science and 2 years of professional experience.
• Ability to design and lead independent research projects.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, design, and implement independent research on calcium signaling in T. gondii.
• Develop live-cell imaging and mitochondrial assays.
• Lead grant development and manuscript preparation.
• Mentor graduate students and coordinate lab activities.

Skills

Calcium signaling

CRISPR/Cas9

Mitochondrial physiology

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Fluorescence microscopy

Live-cell imaging

Molecular genetics

Job description

Posting Details Posting Details Posting Number S15965P Working Title Research Professional-Moreno Department VPR-Center Trop Emerg Glob Dis 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 College/Unit/Department website Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information 40 hours per week Advertised Salary Commensurate with experience Posting Date 10/23/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 11/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy Statement 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 ([e-mail]).

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.

Classification Title Res Associate-Life Science II FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications Position Summary

The Moreno Laboratory in the Department of Cellular Biology at the University of Georgia seeks a highly motivated Research Professional to lead and execute advanced research projects focused on calcium signaling, organelle communication, and mitochondrial physiology in the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This is a senior-level research position involving independent experimental design, execution, data analysis, project leadership, manuscript preparation, and trainee mentorship, functioning at a level equivalent to a postdoctoral researcher.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies

• Able to work with apicomplexan parasites, particularly Toxoplasma gondii.
• Able to write grants and lead projects
• Able to mentor junior scientists.

Physical Demands Able to lift up to 25 lbs, standing for long periods of time.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function 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) Yes Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

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. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Experimental Design

• Conceive, design, and implement independent research projects investigating calcium signaling pathways, ER-mitochondria interactions, redox regulation, and parasite metabolism in T. gondii.
• Develop and optimize complex experimental approaches including live-cell calcium imaging, organelle physiology assays, mitochondrial bioenergetics measurements, and advanced molecular genetics.
• Lead hypothesis development and experimental strategy for funded and pending research grants.

Advanced Technical Execution

• Perform and supervise experimental techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, conditional mutant generation, fluorescence microscopy, biochemical and biophysical assays, and mitochondrial functional analyses.
• Integrate multi-modal datasets (cellular imaging, biochemical, genetic, metabolic) to produce mechanistic conclusions.
• Troubleshoot complex experimental systems and establish new methodologies within the laboratory.

Data Analysis, Publication & Grant Development

• Analyze and interpret high-level quantitative data with scientific independence.
• Prepare manuscripts for submission to high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute substantially to grant proposals, including experimental rationale, preliminary data, and research design.

Project & Personnel Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership of research activities within the laboratory.
• Mentor and train graduate students, technicians, and undergraduate researchers in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
• Coordinate collaborative projects with internal and external research partners.

Scholarly & Professional Engagement

• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Maintain rigorous research documentation and compliance with institutional and funding agency standards.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

Applicant Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter