Senior Research Professional

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); Presencial; USD 45.000 - 60.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

University of Georgia seeks a Senior Research Professional to lead advanced studies on epigenetic regulation of transcription in Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major. You will design experiments, analyze data, and contribute to manuscripts while training junior staff.

The role requires a Master’s degree in a related field and at least 5 years of research experience, with proficiency in qPCR, cloning, and protein analyses. It is a full-time, on-site position in Athens, GA.

Formación

• Master's degree in a related field of science with 5 years of professional research experience.
• Experience with protozoan parasite cell culture and molecular assays is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational, data interpretation and scientific manuscript preparation skills.

Responsabilidades

• Design and conduct advanced research on epigenetic regulation of transcription and gene expression in protozoan parasites.
• Plan and execute complex biochemical and molecular biology experiments with independent judgment.
• Train and supervise students and hourly staff in experimental techniques and biosafety requirements.

Conocimientos

Molecular techniques

Biochemistry techniques

Scientific writing

Educación

Master's degree in a related field of science

5 years of professional experience

Herramientas

qPCR

qRT-PCR

Southern/Western blotting

Protein purification

Molecular cloning

DNA/RNA isolation

Recombinant protein expression

SDS-PAGE

Descripción del empleo

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15979P

Working Title: Senior Research Professional

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. The PI is a member of the UGA Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as well as The Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases (CTEGD) at the University of Georgia. CTEGD is one of the largest international centers of research focused on diseases of poverty. Researchers and students work together on some of the most important causes of human suffering around the world, including malaria, schistosomiasis, African sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, and filariasis.

College/Unit/Department website: https://bmb.uga.edu/

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: M-F: 8-5; Evening and/or weekend time may be requested on occasion for continuity of research.

Advertised Salary: $45,000-60,000 commensurate with experience

Posting Date: 10/28/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Closing Date:

Proposed Starting Date: 12/01/2026

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.

Position Information

Classification Title: Res Associate-Life Science III

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.0

Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree in a related field of science and 5 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field of science (molecular biology, genetics or biochemistry) + 2 years of professional experience in a research environment following the degree.
• Preferred: Minimum of 5 years of experience with molecular and biochemical techniques involved in the research project, including protozoan parasite cell transfection techniques, qPCR, qRT-PCR, Southern/Western blotting, protein purification and molecular cloning.

Position Summary: This position conducts and manages advanced research activities related to the epigenetic regulation of transcription, gene expression, and virulence in the protozoan parasites Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major. The employee independently designs, plans, and executes complex biochemical and molecular biology experiments; evaluates and analyzes research data; develops new approaches to advance ongoing research; and makes routine decisions regarding experimental design, protocols, and research activities. The position requires extensive, specialized training and experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, and the handling of these human pathogens. Additional responsibilities include organizing and interpreting research data, managing research projects, maintaining laboratory protocols and equipment, ensuring laboratory organization and compliance with established safety procedures, and making decisions regarding the storage and distribution of non-hazardous materials. In coordination with the supervising scientist, the employee will make significant contributions to scientific peer review, research reporting, and the preparation and co-authorship of scientific manuscripts and publications. The position is also responsible for training and providing basic supervision to students, hourly staff, and new laboratory personnel in experimental techniques, laboratory procedures, and the specialized technical and biosafety requirements for working with Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major. The employee must demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, independent judgment, and adherence to good laboratory practices and applicable biosafety requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Knowledge of 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, cell tissue culture.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and multitasking abilities.
• Scientific project management experience.
• General computing skills and proficiency at using scientific databases NCBI/BLAST.

Physical Demands: Normal lab activity; sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping. Minimal lifting of equipment.

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? Yes

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 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: 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

Design and conduct scientific experiments and manage data collection and analysis of epigenetic regulation of gene expression in Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania. This will include developing experimental protocols, assembling needed reagents, conducting experiments utilizing research protocols for in vitro parasite cell culture and transformation, and performing various molecular assays (qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction and purification and recombinant protein expression) to characterize the mechanism of RNA Pol II transcription and regulated gene expression in these protozoan parasites of animals.

Percentage of time: 80%

Supervise lab organization and maintain inventory, supplies, and equipment. This includes washing glassware, ensuring equipment remains in working order, and maintaining a detailed inventory of all reagents used in the lab.

Coordinate with the PI on development and/or updating of biosafety protocols.

Make decisions concerning the storage and distribution of non-hazardous materials.

Lab maintenance to comply with all safety regulations regarding hazardous waste, biosafety, and chemical inventory of the laboratory.

Properly discard of and replace lab waste bins (sharps containers, broken glass boxes) and coordinate the pick-up and drop-off of used/new chemical waste containers.

Ensure the lab is up-to-date and up to regulations for various inspections, including OHS, ESH protocols. Review chemical storage, proper logs, labeling of reagents, etc.; answer questions that inspectors may raise and work with lab to address and correct any potential issues.

Training, instruction, and supervision of junior scientists. Duties to include training of all new laboratory personnel, both student and hourly staff, in the handling of human infectious parasites, the bio-safety issues and technical requirements that must be met to work with these organisms.

Percentage of time: 20%