T219969 - University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Department of Microbiology, is seeking a Researcher II. This position will provide essential support of the day-to-day research activities performed in the laboratory by 1) assisting with the maintenance of our animal colony (breeding, health checks, record keeping, etc.) housed in SPF and germ-free conditions, 2) maintaining gnotobiotic isolators, 3) performing animal survival surgeries, 4) post-surgical monitoring of animals, 5) collecting, processing, and analyzing samples from animals, and 6) 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

Under minimal supervision:

• To set up and perform routine and established lab procedures in support of lab goals.
• To collect, enter and summarize data.
• To monitor results and report unusual outcomes.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Maintains a functional electronic notebook as a lab record of activities and data.
2. Updates laboratory databases.
3. Maintains animal breeding colonies according to study protocols.
4. Sets up and tracks the performance of breeding pairs, documents the birth, size, and sex of litters, and weans litters.
5. Handles, restrains, and performs routine animal techniques on animals exposed to HIV and other human pathogens according to study protocols.
6. Performs animal survival surgeries including post-operative monitoring and care.
7. Collects and processes samples from animals for cell isolation and enumeration, cell staining for flow cytometry, cell storage, cell culture.
8. Performs routine assessments of cell and tissue engraftment in animal models via flow cytometry and direct palpation.
9. 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.
10. Prepares samples for histological analysis and perform histology stains on tissue sections. Stores items in liquid nitrogen and log them in appropriately.
11. Maintains cell lines and log them in appropriately.
12. Preparation/labeling of tubes for specimen collection.
13. Provides routine animal care, maintenance and animal husbandry.
14. Ensures compliance with all ARP and IACUC regulations.
15. Ensures appropriate record keeping for the colony.
16. Ensures cages have appropriate ARP cage cards and biohazard signage and proper transfers of animals between protocols.
17. Routine health status monitoring of animals including assessments of body conditioning and weight.
18. Prepares standard media, reagents, and chemical solutions used for testing purposes. Preparation/labeling of tubes for specimen collection.
19. Organizes, maintains, and records the appropriate storage of specimens.
20. Performs regular inventory of common laboratory supplies and reagents.
21. Stocks reagents and shelves when needed.
22. Maintains safe, clean and organized laboratory environment and areas.
23. Prepares surgery packs, harvests tools and supplies in a timely manner.
24. Collects flow cytometry data.
25. Collects histology data Organize and tabulate data while ensuring quality control of data collection.
26. Clearly communicates results to project lead or PI.
27. Observes, collects, and records a variety of other data.
28. Analyzes and compiles flow cytometry data and input data into the appropriate database.
29. Critically evaluates data and compiles analyzed data into spreadsheets or graphs as appropriate.
30. Performs other duties as assigned.

Hourly Salary Range%2415.50 - %2423.51

• Bachelorrsquo;s degree in a related field
• OR Associate's degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience
• OR High School diploma or GED and four (4) years of related experience

Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Preferences

• Must have mouse work experience including mouse colony maintenance, mouse handling and restraint, and performing routine procedures like injections.
• Experience with histology, flow cytometry, and maintaining animal colonies
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a closely related field upon starting the position.

Key Skills

• Proficient with use of personal computer and software packages needed to analyze and present data acquired through this lab work.
• Organization and attention to detail.
• Critical thinking.
• Ability to work as a team and with a diverse group of people.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. UAB is 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, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteranrsquo;s status. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. As required by Title IX, UAB does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to UABrsquo;s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Educationrsquo;s Office for Civil Rights, or both. UABrsquo;s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator is Andrea McDew, 701 20th Street South, Suite 1030, Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-934-5493, amcdew@uab.edu.