Research Associate Job at University of Georgia, USA | Life Sciences Candidates, Apply Now & Earn $55,103
If you are an early-career life scientist, tissue culture specialist, or a biology graduate looking to transition your academic laboratory training into high-impact infectious disease and vaccine development research, this full-time role at the University of Georgia is an exceptional opportunity. Located at the main campus in Athens, Georgia, this position places you on the frontline of monoclonal antibody purification, cell line maintenance, and Biosafety Level II+ (BSL-2+) animal studies. For detail-oriented laboratory analysts tracking a competitive Research Associate Job, this position within the College of Veterinary Medicine offers hands-on mastery over advanced immunology assays, bio-sample processing, and data compilation. It serves as an elite operational launchpad to build a long-term University of Georgia career and stands out as a premier choice for professionals seeking a foundational Biology Job within a top-tier public research university.
About the University & The Vaccine and Immunology Centre
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia (UGA) is the birthplace of public higher education in America and stands as the state’s flagship university. Consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report, UGA hosts a thriving academic community exceeding 41,000 students across 19 specialized schools and colleges, including its newly established School of Medicine.
This research track is hosted within the College of Veterinary Medicine (Vaccines & Immunology Center) under the direction of Principal Investigator Dr. Karen Norris. Founded in 1946, the College is globally recognized for safeguarding public health by investigating emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health. Joining this specialized immunology group means working inside a technologically advanced facility where your bench work directly accelerates translational vaccine pipelines.
Research Associate Job – Key Responsibilities
The Research Associate I functions as a vital hands-on experimental engine, taking responsibility for routine and complex laboratory protocols, cellular maintenance, and data analysis.
The operational allocation of your time is structured as follows:
- Core Experimental Protocols & Assay Execution (80% of Time)
- Tissue Culture Operations: Performing aseptic tissue culture workflows and the routine maintenance, scaling, and preservation of mammalian cell lines.
- Protein Purification: Staging the preparation, downstream expression, and purification of monoclonal antibodies and related therapeutic proteins to advance this Research Associate Job.
- BSL-2+ Sample Processing: Safely processing diverse microbial samples and executing animal models under strict Biosafety Level II+ (BSL-2+) containment conditions.
- Animal Specimen Analysis: Harvesting, aliquoting, and processing animal blood and tissue samples for downstream immunological readouts.
- Digital Notebook Documentation: Maintaining meticulous, chronological records of all experimental procedures, parameters, and raw results within electronic laboratory notebooks.
- Data Interpretation & Presentation (10% of Time)
- Statistical Data Analysis: Compiling raw laboratory results, utilizing analytical software to parse trends, and preparing clear data summaries.
- Scientific Dissemination: Turning data into actionable insights and presenting quality findings at routine laboratory meetings to support a prominent Biology Job.
- Technical Support Staff Training (10% of Time)
- Peer Onboarding Assistance: Assisting in the technical training, protocol guidance, and daily operational supervision of undergraduate student researchers or lower-level technical support staff.
Qualifications & Profile Requirements For Research Associate Job
UGA seeks a highly organized, collaborative life scientist who demonstrates a proactive approach to laboratory safety and an uncompromising attention to data detail.
- Required Academic Standards:
- Educational Foundation: A completed formal Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science is required to secure this position of trust.
- Preferred Qualifications & Technical Assets:
- A completed Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree specifically concentrated in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, or related life science fields to fast-track your University of Georgia career.
- Foundational knowledge of laboratory research principles, wet-lab scientific methods, chemical hygiene, and standard safety practices.
- Solid skills in data collection, basic statistical analysis, and accurate formatting of technical records.
- Strong written and verbal communication traits, with the demonstrated ability to interpret results and convey findings clearly to an interdisciplinary team.
Logistics, Compensation & Employment Perks
- Location: Athens Area, Georgia, USA (UGA Main Campus – On-Site Operations).
- Department Node: VetMed-Vaccines & Immunology Center (Norris Laboratory).
- Employment Status: Regular, Full-Time (Exempt Classification).
- Job Identification Reference: Posting Number: S15246P.
- Target Salary Range: $45,000.00 – $55,103.00 USD Per Year (Offered starting base salary is calibrated based on individualized skills, relevant undergraduate research experience, and qualifications).
- Work Schedule Framework: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; however, evening and weekend flexibility may occasionally be required based on cell culture growth windows or animal study schedules.
- Total Employee Rewards: Comprehensive, state-supported benefits eligibility featuring premium medical, dental, and vision health coverage options.
- Retirement Planning: Secure retirement portfolio options through the Teacher Retirement System of Georgia (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP).
- Compliance Checks: Positions of trust are contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation, including a criminal background check, credential verification, and a pre-employment drug screen for high-risk containment environments.
Strategic Application Protocol For Research Associate Job
Interested applicants must formally submit their portfolio via the official UGA online recruitment portal. To be considered for an active review by Dr. Karen Norris, ensure your profile includes the following mandatory documents:
- An updated, professional Resume/CV detailing your wet-lab techniques and instrumentation exposure.
- A tailored Cover Letter highlighting your specific alignment with cell culture maintenance and BSL-2+ protocols.
Contact Information
For specific questions regarding recruitment progression or timeline parameters, candidates may contact the department directly
- Name: Karen Norris
- Email:Â [email protected]
In short, the Research Associate I position within the Norris Lab at the University of Georgia is a definitive route to translating your biology or microbiology credentials into a highly valuable infectious disease research asset. Securing an appointment here allows you to step away from generalized testing loops and take direct operational charge of tissue culture maintenance, monoclonal antibody purifications, and BSL-2+ animal studies that drive global vaccine breakthroughs. If you reside in or can relocate to Athens, meet the bachelor’s science benchmarks, and possess a proactive approach to safe laboratory operations, apply today to secure this premier Research Associate Job, launch an exceptional University of Georgia career, and lock in this outstanding choice among regional Biology Job opportunities.
