Description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
Normal schedule is Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm but hours and days could vary based on research.
Advertised Salary Commensurate with experience. Posting Date 02/03/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 07/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
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 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.

Position Information

Classification Title Res Associate-Life Science III FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree in a related field of science and 5 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications Position Summary
The Weiss Lab at The University of Georgia's Complex Carbohydrate Research Center (www.ccrc.uga.edu) is looking to recruit a motivated Senior Research Scientist to work on research projects focusing on the regulation of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis in human diseases. Successful applicants will join an exciting new research program and will develop genomic and chemical biology tools to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of glycosylation.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
PhD in biochemistry, genetics, cell biology or a related discipline.
Physical Demands
Normal lab activity
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
Generating and characterizing CRISPR-mediated knock-out and knock-in cell lines for downstream screening assays and analysis of glycosylation pathways

• Lead the design, execution, and optimization of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering strategies, including knock-out, knock-in, and endogenous tagging approaches in mammalian cell lines.
• Independently design guide RNAs, donor templates, and cloning strategies for precise genome editing of glycosylation-related genes and pathways.
• Oversee and execute clonal isolation, genotyping, and molecular validation of edited cell lines using PCR, sequencing, immunoblotting, and functional assays.
• Develop and implement quality control workflows to ensure genetic integrity, reproducibility, and functional validation of engineered cell lines.
• Train and mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical staff in CRISPR genome editing methodologies and best practices.
• Serve as a technical and intellectual lead for complex genome engineering projects that support multiple ongoing research initiatives in the laboratory.

Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities
Developing high-throughput screening methods to investigate the regulation of glycosylation in mammalian cell lines

• Independently develop, optimize, and implement high-throughput, cell-based screening assays to interrogate glycosylation pathways and regulatory mechanisms.
• Design experimental pipelines integrating genome editing, phenotypic screening, and downstream biochemical and molecular analyses.
• Assay development, including optimization of reagents, detection methods, controls, and statistical rigor to ensure robust, reproducible datasets.
• Analyze and interpret genomic screening data and provide scientific direction on follow-up experiments and prioritization of targets.
• Supervise and coordinate screening-related efforts involving students and collaborators, ensuring proper training, execution, and documentation.
• Contribute intellectual leadership in experimental design and strategy development for grant-supported research projects.

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities
Prepare written and oral communication of research output. Ordering chemicals and consumables for the experiments as needed. Lab related activities, including meetings and collaborative projects

• Lead preparation of figures, written summaries, and experimental documentation for manuscripts, grant applications, and progress reports.
• Present research findings in lab meetings, collaborative meetings, and internal and external scientific forums.
• Coordinate ordering, inventory management, and procurement of specialized reagents and consumables critical to advanced genome engineering and screening workflows.
• Participate in and help lead lab meetings, project planning discussions, and collaborative research initiatives.
• Provide mentorship and day-to-day scientific guidance to trainees, assisting with experimental troubleshooting, project development, and professional development.

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 Kristie Huff Recruitment Contact Email kghuff@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone kghuff@uga.edu

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV

Optional Documents