RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL I
The University of Georgia

Posting Number:

S04898P

RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL I

VetMed-Clinical Pathology Lab

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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health.

The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community (http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/).

External

TRS

Employee

Benefits Eligible

Full Time

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexibility required.

$35,568 - $39,125

04/08/2020

Yes

04/27/2020

Athens Area

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Research Paraprofessional/Professional

Non-Exempt

100

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.

Works independently and with others to design and develop components of on average five to eight ongoing projects, and provides supervision and guidance for graduate students, veterinary students, and other technicians within the department.
Work involves: 1) characterization of vaccine candidates for Cytauxzoon felis including determination of intron/exon structure, sequence conservation across geographic isolates, expression of candidates within different parasite life-stages using novel techniques such as RNAScope in situ hybridization, and microscopic laser capture of tissue life-stages to assess vaccine candidate expression using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), 2) optimization of PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) from various tissue types as an aid in the diagnosis of lymphoma in cats and dogs, 3) design and optimization of experiments for analysis of potential mediators of progression of feline chronic kidney disease using qRT-PCR, 4) execution of canine clinical flow cytometry as an aid in the diagnosis of hematopoietic neoplasia, 5) optimization of feline clinical flow cytometry, 6) recombinant vaccine candidate production and purification for assessment in vitro using ELISPOT and Luminex assays, and 7) performance of flow cytometry for assessment of platelet function in dogs.
Performance differs from that of a technician in the planning and executing complex experiments, analyzing data, and applying theoretical concepts for the science.

Molecular biology techniques - PCR, RT-qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, electrophoresis, cloning, protein isolation, and electrophoresis, immunoblotting. Cell culture - isolation and maintenance of cells, media preparation, and cryopreservation.

Be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

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.

Planning and executing data analysis and summary of molecular biology: DNA/RNA extraction, cloning-homologous recombination/TA cloning, agarose gel and capillary gel electrophoresis, PCR design and execution (primer design, reaction optimization) including standard PCR, qRT-PCR and PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR), sequence analysis, recombinant protein expression, immunoblotting, in-situ hybridization including RNAScope, Protein isolation and electrophoresis, characterization of vaccine candidates for Cytauxzoon felis including determination of intron/exon structure and sequence conservation across geographic isolates, assessment of expression of candidates within different parasite life-stages using novel techniques such as RNAScope in situ hybridization, optimization of PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR). Training of students and other staff for many of these experiments is expected. Reproducibility of data and clear presentation of data will be a measure of success.

50

Planning and executing data analysis and summary of cell biology techniques: Execution and optimization of veterinary clinical flow cytometry - Canine and feline clinical flow cytometry including a 12 antibody panel- isolation and labeling of cells, acquisition of data using an LSRII cytometer, optimization of feline clinical flow cytometry panel, media/reagent preparation. Isolation and purification of peripheral blood mononuclear cells for ELISPOT and Luminex assays. Reproducibility of data and clear presentation of data will be a measure of success. Training of students in these techniques is expected.

35

Laboratory management: Establishing and editing SOPs, providing guidance for proper storage/submission of clinical flow cytometry samples to the members of the CVM/VMC and outside veterinarians, autoclaving, glass washing, stock ordering, and inventory organization, preparation of solutions, and equipment maintenance. Provides training to graduate students and technicians in these areas.

15