Research Assistant- MCG-Physiology

*

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


Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at .


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. The position will develop and evaluate new techniques and procedures and functions independently on small less complex projects. Performs blood sampling, blood pressure studies, data acquisition, analyses, and tabulation. The position will make independent decisions related to routine laboratory tasks, including prioritizing daily experimental activities, preparing samples according to established protocols, and ensuring data are accurately recorded and stored.

The candidate will join a NIH-funded project (PI, Dr. Riyaz Mohamed). Studies are approached with a translational perspective and aim to address pathology of kidney disease.


Responsibilities

R esponsibilities to include, but are not limited to:

Assists with preparation and execution of experiments and/or computations. Performs routine data measurements and supports data collection. Prepares samples, reagents, and buffers following established protocols. Perform data analysis related to producing research results and preparing findings. Assist PI in design of experimental protocols.

Assists with processing, organizing, and analyzing research data. Maintains accurate laboratory records and mouse colony records, experimental logs, and data files. Contributes to preparation of figures, reports, and summaries for research meetings and publications.

Priority will be maintaining mouse colony and genotyping. Prepare laboratory animals for surgery, perform surgical procedures as instructed, and 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.

Supports day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment setup, calibration, and basic maintenance. Manages laboratory supplies, inventory, and ordering of consumables. Ensures compliance with laboratory safety procedures and institutional regulations. Uses independent judgement in the daily operations of the lab to ensure safe and efficient use of resources. Monitor use of resources to ensure compliance with federal guidelines and institutional protocols.

Assists in training and mentoring undergraduate researchers in basic laboratory techniques and best practices. Collaborate with faculty, students, and research staff on ongoing projects. Participates in group meetings and contributes to a collaborative research environment. Actively participate in lab meetings, which includes staying apprised of related scientific literature to enhance level of participation and further research in the lab.

Participate in the tracking and monitoring of budgetary resources to ensure effective lab operations.

Perform all other job-related duties as assigned.


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.
OR
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 of experience in a research or clinical area.


Preferred Qualifications

Experience with cell culture and routine laboratory techniques.

Proficient in strain-specific genotyping assays and gel analysis to identify offspring.

Some background in scientific education or other relevant scientific work experience.

Experience in mouse colony management including selective breeding, weaning, and culling.

Having any experience working in a laboratory setting, especially in animal research techniques, will be considered advantageous experience.


Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE

Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.


SKILLS

Basic computer skills.

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Detail oriented with strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organizational skills.


ABILITIES

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability and willingness to handle hazardous chemicals, rodents and their tissues as well as human tissues.


Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days; Monday - Friday (Work outside of normal business hours may be required).

Salary: $17.88-$21.92 per hour.

Pay Band: B5

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.

Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.

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. Consider applying with us today!


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.


How To Apply

Consider applying with us today!

Applicants are encouraged to tailor their resumes to the position of interest by clearly highlighting relevant work experience and skills gained from previous employment. Resumes should reflect how your background aligns with the qualifications and responsibilities of the role.

Search Job ID: 297058.

Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university.

Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee.

If you need further assistance, please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io.