Posting Details

Posting Number

S13712P

Working Title

Research Professional II

Department

VetMed-Poultry Diagnos & Rsch

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

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/

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

8am - 5pm Monday - Friday; some weekends, holidays, and after-hours may be required

Advertised Salary

$45,000/year

Posting Date

06/10/2025

Open until filled

Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date

07/21/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

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 (hrweb@uga.edu).

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

Research Paraprofessional/Professional

FLSA

Non-Exempt

FTE

1.00

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

Laboratory experience in performing molecular biology and/or microbiology experiments.

Position Summary

This incumbent will oversee day-to-day research experiments and diagnostic testing in the Shariat Lab. The lab studies the ecology of Salmonella in food animals and the environment by microbiological culture, molecular, and next-generation sequencing. The major duties involve Salmonella molecular diagnostics and research and the employee will be responsible for planning, conducting, and reporting diagnostic and research experiments and assisting trainees in the lab with ongoing projects. The employee will utilize good organizational and communication skills and adherence to good laboratory practices. Other duties include maintaining lab inventory and equipment, ensuring overall lab organization, and safety compliance.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to follow SOPs, read, write, and understand English
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Attention to detail and good record keeping skills

Physical Demands

Stand and/or sit for long periods of time and perform repetitive tasks.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

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)

Yes

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

Duties/Responsibilities

• Molecular protocols ( DNA isolation, PCR , purification, qPCR, gel electrophoresis) and preparation of sequence libraries for Salmonella diagnostic samples.
• Analysis and interpretation of sequence data, accurate record keeping, and preparation of diagnostic reports.

Percentage of time

65

Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform scientific experiments and manage data collection for large projects under Principal investigator's direction. This will include performing research protocols for microbiological isolation of Salmonella from environmental and animal samples and performing various molecular assays ( PCR , DNA extraction, purification) to characterize Salmonella.
• Independently organize and analyze research data, perform statistical analysis, and prepare reports.
• The employee is encouraged to write peer reviewed manuscripts under the guidance of the PI.

Percentage of time

20

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervise lab organization and maintain inventory, supplies, and equipment.
• Train other lab members.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of proper research SOPs.

Percentage of time

10

Duties/Responsibilities

• Lab maintenance to comply with all safety regulations of hazardous waste, biosafety, and chemical inventory of the laboratory.
• Assist PI with development and/or updating of biosafety and animal protocols.

Percentage of time

5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Nikki Shariat

Recruitment Contact Email

Nikki.Shariat@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter