Bat Disease Research Technician

The main objective of the position is to support a research project focused on SARS-coronavirus (CoV)-2 surveillance-based research study in bats; this research will also include diagnostic assessment of bats, and potentially surveys of additional pathogens, some of which may be zoonotic. The job is housed at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) at the University of Georgia. Bats for study will primarily arise from the SCWDS Research and Diagnostic Service (i.e., deceased bats submitted for diagnostic evaluation) as well as those submitted to public health laboratories for rabies virus testing (from which rabies virus are not detected).



This position will involve communicating with bat biologists, public health officials and others to coordinate receipt of bats from a variety of agencies and institutions as part of a multi-state, multi-institution bat disease and pathogen research project. In addition, it will include performing bat necropsies and sample collection, organizing and cataloguing/archiving samples in an ultracold freezer (including managing bar coding system to archive samples at University of Georgia), organizing and shipping sample sets and needed supplies (e.g., coolers) to collaborating laboratory(ies), performing DNA/RNA extraction steps (i.e. laboratory work), and creating and managing a comprehensive database. This database will include entry and quality check of information on individual bat samples as well as tracking sample location and laboratory results. Additional tasks include trimming bat tissues for histopathology, disposing of discarded bat samples and consumable supplies (including biosafety aspects), submission of samples for diagnostic testing (when needed), ensuring needed supplies are ordered and stocked, keeping work areas clean and disinfected, and working closely with the supervisor to ensure all aspects are well organized and kept up to date. This role may also involve training and overseeing activities of work-study students, graduate students, veterinary student externs, volunteer students, and others to assist in the above duties. The technician may participate in data analysis if time and interest permits.

This position will involve networking and communicating with bat biologists, public health officials, and others to coordinate receipt of bats from a variety of agencies and institutions as part of a multi-state, multi-institution bat disease and pathogen research project. In addition, it will include performing bat necropsies and sample collection, organizing and cataloguing/archiving samples in an ultracold freezer (including managing bar coding system to archive samples at University of Georgia), organizing and shipping sample sets and needed supplies (e.g., coolers) to collaborating laboratory(ies), performing DNA/RNA extraction steps (i.e., laboratory work), and creating and managing a comprehensive database. This database will include entry and quality check of information on individual bat samples as well as tracking sample location and laboratory results. Additional tasks will include trimming bat tissues for histopathology, disposing of discarded bat samples and consumable supplies (including biosafety aspects), submission of samples for diagnostic testing (when needed), ensuring needed supplies are ordered and stocked, keeping work areas clean and disinfected, and working closely with the supervisor to ensure all aspects are well organized and kept up to date. This job may also involve training and overseeing activities of work-study students, graduate students, veterinary student externs, volunteer students, and others to assist in the above duties.