Research Professional III

Position Information

Classification Title Research Professional AD FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• BSc degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related field.

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in a research laboratory specializing in bioinformatics, molecular biology, and the study of RNA viruses.

• Fluency in English and Spanish (or Portuguese) for effective communication and collaboration

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Molecular Biology, Virology, Bioinformatics).

• Experience in molecular cloning, protein expression, and monoclonal antibody production techniques.

Position Summary

This research position is central to the success of the Perez Lab, within the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center. The role demands expertise in virological and molecular techniques, as well as leadership, to drive research projects focused on influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Emphasis will be on the use of animal models to investigate pathogenesis, vaccine development, and antiviral therapies.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Molecular Biology Expertise: Proven proficiency in:

• Molecular cloning

• PCR techniques

• DNA/RNA sequencing methodologies

• Bioinformatics Analysis: Strong bioinformatics skills, including experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis.

• Established Laboratory Practices: Ability to follow and contribute to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Physical Demands

• Sit and/or stand for long periods of time and to lift up to 25lbs.

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? 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

Research Design, Execution, and Analysis

• Design and implement research projects under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI), focused on influenza and SARS-CoV-2.

• Utilize animal models to study disease mechanisms and treatment/prevention strategies.

• Perform technical virological and molecular procedures (DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, sequencing, PCR,etc.)

Percentage of time 45 Duties/Responsibilities

Laboratory Management and Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the research laboratory.

• Maintain lab stocks, order supplies, and manage equipment.

• Develop and enforce protocols ensuring safety and compliance.

• Manage laboratory budget and prioritize expenditures.

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities

Mentorship and Collaboration

• Supervise and train laboratory technicians, graduate students, post-docs, and other lab personnel.

• Lead multi-laboratory projects and collaborations.

• Coordinate with international partners to facilitate research exchange.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

Cell Culture Expertise

• Maintain various cell lines, including those engineered for viral antigen expression.

Percentage of time 10

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 Daniel Perez Recruitment Contact Email dperez1@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

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.