Position Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Microbiology, is seeking a skilled Researcher III to join their team. 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, and 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

1. Operations-Research Support: Maintain a functional electronic notebook as a lab record of activities and data.
2. Update laboratory databases.
3. Maintain animal breeding colonies according to study protocols.
4. Set up and track the performance of breeding pairs, document the birth, size, and sex of litters, and wean litters.
5. Handle, restrain, and perform routine animal techniques on animals exposed to HIV and other human pathogens according to study protocols.
6. Perform animal survival surgeries including post-operative monitoring and care.
7. Collect and process samples from animals for cell isolation and enumeration, cell staining for flow cytometry, cell storage, cell culture.
8. Perform routine assessments of cell and tissue engraftment in animal models via flow cytometry and direct palpation.
9. Maintain 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.
10. Prepare samples for histological analysis and perform histology stains on tissue sections.
11. Store items in liquid nitrogen and log them in appropriately.
12. Maintain cell lines and log them in appropriately.
13. Preparation/labeling of tubes for specimen collection
14. Animal Care: Provide routine animal care, maintenance and animal husbandry.
15. Ensure compliance with all ARP and IACUC regulations.
16. Ensure appropriate record keeping for the colony.
17. Ensure cages have appropriate ARP cage cards and biohazard signage and proper transfers of animals between protocols.
18. Routine health status monitoring of animals including assessments of body conditioning and weight.
19. Laboratory Care: Prepare standard media, reagents and chemical solutions used for testing purposes.
20. Preparation/labeling of tubes for specimen collection.
21. Organize, maintain, and record the appropriate storage of specimens.
22. Perform regular inventory of common laboratory supplies and reagents.
23. Stock reagents and shelves when needed.
24. Maintain safe, clean and organized laboratory environment and areas.
25. Prepare surgery packs, harvest tools and supplies in a timely manner.
26. Data Collection: Collect flow cytometry data
27. Collect histology data.
28. Organize and tabulate data while ensuring quality control of data collection.
29. Clearly communicate results to project lead or PI.
30. Observe, collect and record a variety of other data.
31. Data Analysis: Analyze and compile flow cytometry data and input data into the appropriate database.
32. Critically evaluate data and compile analyzed data into spreadsheets or graphs as appropriate.
33. Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Range: $ 35,570- $ 48,000

Qualifications

Master's degree in a related field OR Bachelor s degree in related field and two (2) years of related experience OR Associate's degree in related field and four (4) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Preferences

• Histology, Flow cytometry, maintain animal colonies.
• Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a closely related field upon starting the position, and at least 1 year of laboratory research experience.
• Recent mouse work experience (within the last 6 months) including mouse colony maintenance, mouse handling and restraint, and performing routine procedures like injections.
• Candidate must be proficient with use of personal computer and software packages needed to analyze and present data acquired through this lab work.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.

Key Skills

• Organization
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Ability to work as a team and with a diverse group of people Strong interpersonal and communication skills.