Laboratory Coordinator

The University of Georgia (UGA), chartered in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. Ranked among the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, UGA’s main campus is in Athens, with extended campuses across Georgia. The university enrolls over 41,000 students and employs approximately 3,100 faculty and 7,700 staff.

The College of Pharmacy at UGA is a leading institution in pharmacy education, research, and community service, ranked 15th nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Research areas include drug discovery, pharmacology, and clinical pharmacy, making it a dynamic environment for scientific advancement.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position under the TRS or ORP retirement plan.

About the Role

Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Laboratory Coordinator supports laboratory-based research in aging biology, cellular senescence, neurodegeneration, cancer biology, regenerative medicine, and therapeutic discovery. The role involves designing and implementing experimental procedures, analyzing research findings, developing laboratory methodologies, and contributing to publications, presentations, and sponsored research initiatives. The coordinator serves as a key scientific resource, ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements while advancing the laboratory’s research and training mission.

Responsibilities

• Research Design and Experimental Implementation (40%)
  • Plans, coordinates, and conducts laboratory research supporting studies in aging, cellular senescence, neurodegeneration, cancer biology, and therapeutic development.
  • Designs and implements experimental approaches using established scientific methods and project objectives.
  • Performs advanced molecular, cellular, biochemical, tissue-based, and organoid-related laboratory procedures.
  • Develops, modifies, and optimizes laboratory protocols to improve scientific quality, efficiency, and reproducibility.
  • Evaluates experimental outcomes and recommends procedural modifications based on findings.
  • Maintains detailed and accurate records of experimental procedures, observations, and results.
  • Collaborates with the Principal Investigator to identify new research directions and experimental opportunities.
• Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Scholarly Activities (30%)
  • Collects, validates, organizes, analyzes, and interprets scientific data using appropriate statistical and computational approaches.
  • Prepares figures, reports, presentations, data summaries, and research updates for laboratory meetings and collaborative review.
  • Conducts literature reviews and scientific background research to support study planning and interpretation of findings.
  • Contributes to the preparation of manuscripts, abstracts, scientific presentations, grant applications, progress reports, and other scholarly products.
  • Assists in developing strategies that promote research rigor, transparency, reproducibility, and data integrity.
  • Maintains electronic research databases and documentation systems supporting long-term research objectives.
• Research Program Coordination and Regulatory Compliance (20%)
  • Coordinates day-to-day activities for multiple ongoing research projects and sponsored programs.
  • Ensures compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, biosafety standards, animal care regulations, and laboratory safety procedures.
  • Supports management of laboratory resources, equipment, reagents, supplies, and research materials.
  • Develops and maintains laboratory standard operating procedures and quality assurance practices.
  • Coordinates equipment maintenance, service requirements, and operational readiness of research resources.
  • Assists with implementation of research infrastructure and data management practices that support laboratory productivity and project continuity.
• Training, Collaboration, and Laboratory Development (10%)
  • Collaborates with faculty investigators, research scientists, trainees, and external research partners on multidisciplinary projects.
  • Provides guidance and training to students, trainees, and research personnel regarding laboratory procedures, research documentation, and safety practices.
  • Supports the laboratory’s educational and research training mission through mentorship and knowledge sharing.
  • Assists in establishing best practices for workflow management, laboratory organization, and research efficiency.
  • Participates in departmental, institutional, and professional development activities that advance the research program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialized scientific knowledge in cellular and molecular research techniques.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, cellular senescence, neurodegeneration, cancer biology, pharmacology, and related biomedical research techniques.
• Proficiency in designing, implementing, and modifying experimental procedures based on project objectives and scientific findings.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific data in written, graphical, and presentation formats.
• Knowledge of statistical methods and scientific software applications for research analysis and data visualization.
• Experience preparing and maintaining accurate research documentation in compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with biosafety, laboratory safety, animal care, research compliance, and data integrity standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, researchers, students, staff, and external partners.

Skills

• Ability to independently conduct, troubleshoot, and optimize complex laboratory experiments.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining attention to detail and scientific rigor.

Schedule

Typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (approximately 40 hours per week). Occasional flexibility may be required based on research activities, including evenings or weekends.

Physical Demands

• Work is performed primarily in laboratory, office, and research environments.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and repetitive hand movements associated with laboratory procedures.
• Involves operation of laboratory instruments and specialized research equipment.
• May involve exposure to biological specimens, laboratory chemicals, and approved research materials while following established safety standards.
• Ability to lift and transport laboratory supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform detailed laboratory procedures requiring manual dexterity and sustained concentration.