RESEARCHER ASSOCIATE

Position Summary

A Researcher Associate position is open in the lab of Dr. Yuhua Song, Department of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Our research group is recruiting a self-motivated Researcher Associate to work with senior researchers and PI to investigate small molecule therapeutic drug discovery and mechanism studies in Alzheimer's disease, cancer and other neurodegenerative diseases. The candidates are expected to have research experience in molecular and cell biological experiments and in vivo study. As a Researcher Associate, this position will require you to independently conduct more complex studies and analyses, contributing to the advancement of research projects including to contribute to manuscript and grant preparation. With greater autonomy, you will design experiments, interpret data, and collaborate with senior researchers to develop and refine research protocols. Your role will also include assuming responsibility for the day-to-day operation of lab activities that include mentoring junior staff, train new students, develop and document standard protocols, manage lab ordering, inventory, equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens. Our group also performs extensive computational biology research. The Researcher Associate will have the opportunity to work with colleagues in computational biology research and gain additional computational biology skills.

General Responsibilities

As a Researcher Associate, this intermediate-level position will require you to independently conduct more complex studies and analyses, contributing to the advancement of research projects. With greater autonomy, you will design experiments, interpret data, and collaborate with senior researchers to develop and refine research protocols. Your role may also include mentoring junior staff and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Research Execution Scientific Analysis:

2. Conduct molecular biology, cell biology, and in vivo research studies.

3. Design, execute, and optimize experimental protocols.

4. Collect, analyze, interpret, and present research data.

5. Troubleshoot experimental procedures and develop new methodologies.

6. Contribute to the advancement of research projects through independent scientific investigation.

7. Research Publications Collaboration:

8. Contribute to manuscript preparation and scientific publications.

9. Assist with grant writing and proposal development.

10. Review scientific literature and communicate research findings.

11. Collaborate with principal investigators, senior researchers, and external research partners.

12. Participate in research meetings and interdisciplinary projects.

13. Laboratory Management Operations:

14. Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations and workflow.

15. Manage laboratory inventory, ordering, supplies, and equipment.

16. Develop, maintain, and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

17. Ensure accurate recordkeeping, specimen management, and laboratory documentation.

18. Support continuous improvement of laboratory processes and research practices.

19. Leadership, Training Compliance:

20. Mentor junior staff and train new students and laboratory personnel.

21. Provide technical guidance and support to research team members.

22. Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, regulatory, and research standards.

23. Maintain proper handling of research animals, specimens, and biological materials.

24. Promote a safe, collaborative, and compliant research environment.

25. Perform other duties as assigned.

     

Hourly Range:   $19.80- $ 25.75

Qualifications

Bachelor'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 required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Preferences

• BS/BA + 1 year of experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Immunology, Pharmacology, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Medical Laboratory Science, or a closely related life sciences field. 

• Candidates who have research experience in molecular and cell biological experiments and in vivo study are preferred.
   

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