The Engelhardt laboratory at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is seeking a dedicated and reliable temporary Research Assistant to support the care research animal models. This full-time temporary position will focus on daily rearing, monitoring animal health, and assisting with experimental protocols in a fast-paced research environment. Depending on funding acquisition this position has the potential to go full-time.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for research animals, including feeding, drug dosing, and animal daily maintenance.
• Monitor and record animal health, behavior, and wellbeing; promptly report abnormalities to research staff or veterinary personnel.
• Support specialized dietary needs (e.g., wet food, enzyme supplementation) and monitor intake.
• Maintain accurate records of animal care, body weight, and body condition score.
• Assist with sample collection (e.g., feces, tissue) and basic procedures as needed.
• Ensure compliance with UAB, IACUC, and institutional animal care guidelines.
• Support general lab operations as needed.
• Assist in the setup and preparation of laboratory experiments and procedures.
• Perform routine measures, tests, and/or assays following established protocols and procedures.
• Collect, record, and analyze research data with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Exhibits independence in adaptation when encountering methodological problems.
• Serves as a resource for technicians and assistants; supervising their activities as needed.
• May assist in writing and editing grant proposals, research protocols, and data collection documents.
• Adhere to safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized research environment.
• Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Pay Rate: $18.00

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in animal science or related field preferred)
• Experience with animal handling or husbandry (laboratory or veterinary setting preferred)
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks (lifting, standing, working in animal facilities)
• Strong attention to detail and reliability
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory animal models and breeding colonies
• Familiarity with animal protocols and compliance (IACUC)
• Comfortable working with animal models.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.