The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Department of Microbiology, is seeking a motivated Researcher III. This position will provide essential support of the day-to-day research activities performed in the laboratory by
Assisting with the maintenance of our animal colony (breeding, health checks record keeping, etc.) housed in SPF and germ-free conditions
Maintaining gnotobiotic isolators
Performing animal survival surgeries
Post-surgical monitoring of animals
Collecting, processing, and analyzing samples from animals
Assisting students, postdoctoral fellows, and research faculty with animal experiments.
In addition, this position will perform data collection, analysis, and input. This position will also provide general laboratory care by preparing common solutions and reagents, cataloging research samples, autoclaving, dishwashing, stocking supplies, etc. While this work requires prior animal handling experience and knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, there will be opportunities for further training and advancement.
General Responsibilities
As directed:
To independently set up and perform experiments and procedures in support of lab goals.
To collect, enter, summarize, and analyze data.
To monitor results, detect and report unusual outcomes and suggest modifications.
To develop and improve techniques for the lab.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Operations-Research Support:
Maintains a functional electronic notebook as a lab record of activities and data.
Updates laboratory databases.
Maintains animal breeding colonies according to study protocols.
Sets up and tracks the performance of breeding pairs, documents the birth, size, and sex of litters, and weans litters.
Handles, restrains, and performs routine animal techniques on animals exposed to HIV and other human pathogens according to study protocols.
Performs animal survival surgeries including post-operative monitoring and care.
Collects and processes samples from animals for cell isolation and enumeration, cell staining for flow cytometry, cell storage, cell cultures.
Performs routine assessments of cell and tissue engraftment in animal models via flow cytometry and direct palpation.
Maintains gnotobiotic isolators which includes cage/water bottle changes, porting supplies and reagents in and out of isolators, isolator cleanings, the preparation of sterilant, and handling of animals within isolators.
Prepares samples for histological analysis and performs histology stains on tissue sections.
Stores items in liquid nitrogen and logs them in appropriately.
Maintains cell lines and logs them in appropriately.
Performs preparation/labeling of tubes for specimen collection.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Animal Care:
Provides routine animal care, maintenance and animal husbandry.
Ensures compliance with all ARP and IACUC regulations.
Ensures appropriate record keeping for the colony.
Ensures cages have appropriate ARP cage cards and biohazard signage and proper transfers of animals between protocols.
Performs routine health status monitoring of animals including assessments of body conditioning and weight.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Laboratory Care:
Prepares standard media, reagents and chemical solutions used for testing purposes.
Performs preparation/labeling of tubes for specimen collection.
Organizes, maintains, and records the appropriate storage of specimens.
Performs regular inventory of common laboratory supplies and reagents.
Stocks reagents and shelves when needed.
Maintains safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment and areas.
Prepares surgery packs, harvest tools and supplies in a timely manner.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Data Collection:
Collects flow cytometry data.
Collects histology data.
Organizes and tabulates data while ensuring quality control of data collection.
Clearly communicates results to project lead or PI.
Observes, collects, and records a variety of other data.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Data Analysis:
Analyzes and compiles flow cytometry data and inputs data into the appropriate database.
Critically evaluates data and compiles analyzed data into spreadsheets or graphs as appropriate.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Annual Salary Range$35,570.00 - $59,800.00
Qualifications
Master's degree in a related field
OR Bachelor's degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience
OR Associate's degree in a related field and four (4) years of related experience
Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.
Preferences
Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a closely related field upon starting the position, and at least one (1) year of laboratory research experience.
Experience with histology, flow cytometry, and maintaining animal colonies.
Must have recent mouse work experience (within the last six (6) months) including mouse colony maintenance, mouse handling and restraint, and performing routine procedures like injections.
Must be proficient with use of personal computer and software packages needed to analyze and present data acquired through this lab work.
Key Skills
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule
Organization
Attention to detail
Critical thinking
Ability to work as a team and with a diverse group of people
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Primary Location
:University
Job Category
:Scientific Research
Organization
:392200000 Microbiology
Employee Status
:Regular
Shift:Day/1st Shift
Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager):Onsite
In fall 2018, UAB had a third consecutive year of record-high over all enrollment with 21,923 students, including its largest freshman class ever (2,299), with enrollment growth in every school on campus and in the acclaimed UAB Honors College. The freshman class had an average ACT of 25.2 and GPA of 3.73- both higher than 2017. UAB's students are talented and diverse, with minority students making up 40.5 percent of the freshman class and 39.7 percent of the entire of the student body. Logo Logo UAB is was recently recognized as the Top Young University in the U.S. and 10th globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. UAB research expenditures are at a record high, exceeding $562 million in FY17, and UAB ranks 15th in federal funding nationally among public universities (top 4 percent) and 31st overall (top 5 percent). In National Institutes of Health funding, UAB ranks 8th among public universities (top 2 percent) and 23rd overall (top 4 percent) with more than $244 million. UAB Health system has over one million patient visits annually and is home to Alabama's largest hospital and the 3rd largest public hospital in the U.S. UAB houses the state's only level ...1 adult trauma center and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Alabama and a five-state region. UAB is the state's largest single-site employer, with more than 23,000 employees, and has an annual economic impact of over $7.15 billion on Alabama.
