Research Technician

Davita Inc.; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Georgia is seeking a Research Technician to support research on cellular stress signaling pathways in eye development. The position requires familiarity with molecular techniques, including PCR and gel electrophoresis, and involves handling mice and reptiles. The role includes assisting with daily lab operations and ensuring ethical practices in animal care.

Benefits

Benefits Eligible

Qualifications

• Technical knowledge acquired through education or certificate.
• Comfortable with animal handling and euthanasia procedures.
• Confidence in lab practices and software preference.

Responsibilities

• Assist with experimental procedures, including animal eye enucleations and fixation.
• Assist with reptile husbandry and daily watering.
• Perform general lab duties such as organization and inventory.

Skills

Molecular and biochemical lab techniques

Using pipettes

Preparing buffers

Maintaining lab notes

Handling mice and reptiles

Education

2-year degree, apprenticeship, or professional certificate

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Details

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 formed School of Medicine.

M-F, 8-5 with occasional evening or weekends

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]).

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.

Posting Number	S13278P
Working Title	Research Technician
Department	Franklin-Cellular Biology
About the University of Georgia
About the College/Unit/Department
College/Unit/Department website	https://cellbio.uga.edu/
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan	TRS
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time	Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information
Advertised Salary	$34,000/yr
Posting Date	03/10/2025
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	07/14/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Location of Vacancy	Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement
USG Core Values Statement

Position Information

This position will assist with our research program that investigates the role of cellular stress signaling pathways in eye development and associated pathologies. We employ stem cell techniques and a novel reptile model to address our scientific questions. We are seeking a Research Technician to support daily lab operations, including performing PCR, analyzing samples using agarose gel electrophoresis followed by imaging, and preparing ocular tissue for sectioning and staining. The ideal candidate should be comfortable handling mice and reptiles, such as lizards, and assist with euthanasia procedures in accordance with ethical guidelines.

The position involves a combination of standing, sitting, and walking throughout the workday.

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.

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.

Classification Title	Research Paraprofessional/Professional
FLSA	Non-Exempt
FTE	1.0
Minimum Qualifications	Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
Position Summary
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Basic knowledge of molecular and biochemical lab techniques. Confidence and proficiency in using pipettes, preparing buffers, and maintaining detailed daily lab notes. Familiarity with software such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is preferred but not mandatory.
Physical Demands
Is driving a responsibility of this position?	No
Is this a Position of Trust?	No
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)	No
Credit and P-Card policy
Background Investigation Policy

Duties/Responsibilities

Assist with experimental procedures, including animal eye enucleations (mouse and lizard), fixation, dehydration, sectioning, H&E staining, immunofluorescence labeling, and microscopic analysis.

Duties/Responsibilities
Percentage of time	70

Assist with reptile (lizard) husbandry, including a twice-weekly feeding schedule and daily watering.

Duties/Responsibilities
Percentage of time	20

General Lab duties such as unpacking shipments from orders and organizing items on shelves.

Duties/Responsibilities
Percentage of time	10