RESEARCHER III

Position Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Microbiology laboratories of Dr. J. Victor Garcia and Dr. Angela Wahl, seek a Researcher III to join their team. Our team develops and applies precision animal models to address high-impact questions in immunology and host pathogen interactions, with direct relevance to human health. You will work in a highly collaborative environment with investigators spanning academia, government, and industry, contributing to studies that examine: HIV persistence and cure, HIV transmission and prevention, Microbiome in health and disease, and In vivo analysis of clinically relevant human pathogens and host responses (including TB, RSV, CMV, COVID-19, etc.) This position will provide essential research support to our translational in vivo research program by performing molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extraction from blood and tissue specimens, real-time PCR analysis, processing samples for DNA sequencing and sequencing analysis, and molecular cloning. Designing, validating, and troubleshooting real-time PCR assays. Producing, concentrating, and tittering stocks of virus using BSL2.5 practices. Performing cell culturing, cell isolations from blood and tissue samples, and flow cytometry. Additional duties include general laboratory care (autoclaving, dish washing, stocking and inventory laboratory supplies), preparing common laboratory solutions and media.

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

• Maintain a functional notebook as a lab record of activities and data.
• Perform RNA/DNA nucleic acid extraction from blood and tissue samples from test subjects and prepare samples for PCR analysis.
• Perform viral and bacterial genome (DNA and RNA), PCR amplifications for DNA sequencing and analyze sequencing data.
• Perform DNA and RNA Real-Time PCR amplification, analyze and distribute results.
• Design, validation, and troubleshoot real-time PCR assays.
• Perform molecular cloning and other general molecular biology experiments.
• Produce, concentrate, and titer stocks of virus under BSL2.5 containment.
• Perform experiments under BSL2.5 containment.
• Culture cell lines and primary cells.
• Isolate cells from blood and tissue samples.
• Process samples for analysis by flow cytometry.
• Acquire and analyze flow cytometry data.
• Prepare standard media, reagents and chemical solutions used for testing purposes.
• Organize, maintain, and record the appropriate storage of specimens.
• Perform inventories of common laboratory supplies and reagents.
• Stock reagents and shelves when needed.
• Maintain safe, clean and organize laboratory environment and areas.
• Proper disposal of contaminated or hazardous materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Salary Range : $ 35,570- $ 59,800

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

• BS/BA in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Biology, Biological Sciences or a closely related life science field by start date
• 3 years of laboratory experience
• Experience (within the last 6 months) extracting RNA/DNA from samples using Qiagen columns
• Experience (within the last 6 months) performing real-time PCR
• Experience with general molecular biology techniques
• Experience producing and tittering viruses
• Experience working with HIV and HIV infected samples
  
  

Key Skills

• Attention to detail
• Methodical
• Maintain organized and detailed lab notes
• Able to work as a team and interact with a diverse group of people
  
  

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.

Job Category

Scientific Research

Organization

392200000 Microbiology

Employee Status

Regular

Shift

Day/1st Shift

Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager)

Onsite