RESEARCH TECHNICIAN - Schank

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Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Flexibility may be needed.

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This position will serve as the lab manager/research technician for the research lab of Dr. Jesse Schank in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. The Schank lab conducts NIH-funded basic research pertaining to stress, depression, alcohol consumption, and drug seeking behavior using preclinical rodent models. Responsibilities of this position will include multiple aspects of scientific research including data collection, assay development and execution, and project management. Prior experience with rodent work is highly preferred. The candidate will perform multiple assays in molecular and cell biology including RT- PCR, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescent staining, and microscopy.

- Effectively communicate and work well with others in the lab group.
- Maintain accurate documentation, pay attention to detail.
- Basic laboratory skills, including sterile technique and basic analytical skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Detail oriented and accurate.
- Learn and acquire new skills in a fast paced and sometimes-stressful environment.
- Willing to work with small animals.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills while carrying out instructions.
- Multi-task and prioritize work assignments with little supervision.
- Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Sit, stand, stoop, bend, and walk intermittently during the day on hard floor surfaces.
- Manual dexterity sufficient to accurately work with small, delicate pieces of equipment or large heavy objects/ containers/ machinery, sometimes involving repetitive motions.
- Wear all protective gear where required, including mask, gloves, gown, hairnet, safety goggles.
- Work for long periods of time with arms extended.

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.

Organize and assist in implementation of research projects including data collection, assay development and execution, and project management. Perform multiple assays in cell/molecular biology including qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Use light and confocal miscroscopy to analyze samples. Prepare drugs and reagents for laboratory and rodent behavioral work. Perform behavioral testing assays with rodents, perform surgeries, and dissect brain tissue when necessary. Section brain tissue on cryostat. Work with multiple investigators within the laboratory. Professionally communicate with investigators and colleagues concerning the affected work flow, time limitations, and project status. Train current laboratory members on processes and procedures needed.

Perform laboratory maintenance duties such as autoclaving, dishwashing, and technical equipment maintenance. Maintain inventory of chemicals, media and other supplies through the UGAmart. Proper disposal of biohazardous waste. Maintain a clean and sterile lab environment; assist with research associated administration duties such as package shipping and receiving. Manage mouse breeding and maintain mouse lines.

Produce and record data, interpreting and analyzing the results of experimental assays including, but not limited to, data from behavioral studies, immunohistochemistry, and PCR Analysis. Organize and present data at various lab meetings. Support submission of data and preliminary results for grants which serves as important stepping stones to further the laboratory research.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.