Laboratory Technician

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 3,100 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 formed School of Medicine.

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia's learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.

M-F; 8am-5pm, occasional evening or weekend may be required

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).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

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.

This position is for a research technician who can perform basic molecular biology and biochemical techniques. This position will revolve around performing research related to the Whitman Lab research goals studying methanogenesis and activation of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase, and will involve molecular and biochemical techniques and basic microbiology experiments.

Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling; Standard lab environment

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.

Perform biochemical analyses of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase activation complex to identify key components. Will include culturing methanogens in 1.5L bottles, harvesting cells by centrifugation, lysing cells by sonication, and purification of proteins by chromatography. Samples will then be prepared for enzyme assay and mass spectroscopy. Will run SDS gels as appropriate.

Perform genetic experiments to identify key components of the activation and assembly complex. Will include design of genetic vectors, transformation of Methanococcus and E. coli, measurement of colony-forming units, and evaluation of growth of mutants.

Perform 15N-labelling experiments to study assembly of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase. Growth of methanogens in 1.5L cultures, harvesting cells by centrifugation, purification of protein by column chromatography, and preparation of protein for mass spectroscopy.

Prepare complete and accurate notes of experiments undertaken and their results. Notes will be in word documents with data either in spreadsheets, figures, or datafiles. Methods will be carefully documented.

Assisting with the daily operations of the laboratory including coordinating with the Franklin Business Services Center team on ordering plus management of hazardous waste.