Job Description

Senior Research Assistant - Physiology
Job ID: 286468
Location: Augusta University
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary:
*

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 10,500 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 under the direction of the PI. In addition, the incumbent of this position will conduct experiments and record the experimental results in the lab, develop new techniques and procedures and function independently on small less complex projects, as well as coordinate and/or supervise activities of support staff.
Studies are approached with a translational perspective and the overall goal is to study the mechanistic study of Ca2+ signaling in the collecting duct (CD) system of the kidney. Experiments include functional measures of blood pressure and vascular function, protein and mRNA expression measures as well as hormone, cell signaling and genetic analyses, among others. The lab uses patch-clamp electrophysiology, fluorescent Ca2+-imaging, confocal microscopy, biochemical, molecular biology tools and genetic approaches.
Responsibilities
The duties include, but are not limited to:
EXPERIMENTS: Conduct research using basic molecular biology techniques which include, but are not limited to, preparation of protein lysates, isolation of mRNA, densitometry analysis, plasmid prep, cell transfections, and microscopy. Perform patch-clamp electrophysiology and imaging experiments. Participate in preparation of media, stains and reagents related to various research techniques.
ANIMALS: Prepare laboratory animals for surgery, perform surgical procedures as instructed, collect tissues and fluid samples for analysis and assist with feeding, watering and general care of the animals (both pre- and post-operative). Coordinate telemetry studies for lab. Operate computer-based data acquisition systems, chart recorders and signal amplification equipment.
LAB OPERATIONS: Carry out assigned duties related to ordering and maintaining the research chemical and supply inventories. Ensure compliance with rules and regulations related to the use of biohazard materials, animals, and safety standards. Calibrate, troubleshoot and make minor repairs on laboratory equipment.
DATA ANALYSIS: Record and analyze results of research experiments and procedures. Maintain appropriate lab animal records and a lab journal, track data and progress, communicate summaries of experimental results at meetings with PI and staff.
LAB MEETINGS: Actively participate in lab meetings, which includes staying apprised of related scientific literature to enhance level of participation as well as promote better research, prepare manuscripts based on conclusions drawn from research efforts, and pursue publishing as directed.
OTHER: Perform other duties incidental to work described herein.
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 research, basic science or a clinical setting particularly clinical trials research and minimum of two years of applicable experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Should have basic knowledge and expertise in molecular biology.
Experience with PCR or Western Blotting techniques is highly desirable.
Experience with Electrophysiology techniques (patch-clamp) and experience in renal physiology will be an advantage.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.

SKILLS
The successful candidate should possess good analytical, communication and management skills.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

ABILITIES
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Willingness and ability to work with research animals.
Ability to work independently with only general supervision.
Must be curious, flexible, self-motivated, and reliable.
Must have logical reasoning abilities, and the ability to work with others in a team.
Shift/Salary/Benefits
Shift: Days; Monday - Friday (Work outside of normal business hours may be required).
Salary Range: $18.85-$23.56 hourly.
Pay Band: B6
Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position.
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!
https://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/ Search for Job ID: 286468.
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 706-721-9365.
To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=12000&JobOpeningId=286468&PostingSeq=1
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