The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Department of Pathology, is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher to join the laboratory of Sixto M. Leal Jr. as a Researcher V. The Leal lab is a NIH-funded research program focused on the molecular and immunological basis of COVID-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA), a 2-mold infection observed in 5% of patients hospitalized with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The position will focus on the impact of iron and heme dysregulation on the ability of airway macrophages to clear fungal infection. Opportunities also exist to contribute to parallel studies focused on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection and dysregulated iron on pulmonary epithelial cells and neutrophils as well as partake in a wide breadth of biomedical research driven by the Leal lab.

General Responsibilities

• To be responsible for the overall operation of the lab.
• To oversee projects within the lab.
• To contribute to the design, interpretation and writing of grant proposals and publications.
• To supervise a research team, direct and teach lab practices.
• To manage lab equipment and supplies.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Conducts rigorous and original science.
2. Independently designs, performs, and interprets experiments.
3. Performs in vivo research with murine models of infection in the BSL-3 environment.
4. Performs in vitro research with primary and immortalized lung cell cultures in the BSL-3 environment Work with SARS-CoV-2, dimorphic fungi, and other BSL-3 pathogens.
5. Writes and publishes high-quality peer-reviewed research.
6. Participates in grant writing.
7. May supervise and train undergraduate or graduate trainees and/or technicians.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Annual Salary Range $49,004.80 - $72,252.40

• Doctorate in a related field and one (1) year of related experience
• OR Master's degree in a related field and three (3) years of related experience
• OR Bachelor’s degree in related field and five (5) years of related experience

Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Preferences

• Experience in innate immunology, macrophage biology, cell culture, microbial culture, mouse models, microscopy, and high containment BSL-3/ABSL-3 research.
• Along with your application, please submit a cover letter summarizing your research accomplishments and career goals (1-2 pages), CV, and three (3) references.