RESEARCHER ASSISTANT

Position Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Med - Pulmonary/Allergy/Critical Care, is seeking a skilled Researcher Assistant to join their team. The Researcher Assistant will assist in the care and feed of ferret disease models, including performing essential animal care, health monitoring, and experimental procedures. This role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare, including after-hours, weekend, and holiday work. The Researcher Assistant will support research activities by implementing ferret care plans, assisting with reproductive technologies, performing bioassays, and conducting various laboratory procedures to support ongoing scientific investigations.

General Responsibilities

As a Researcher Assistant, you will contribute to the daily operations of research projects under the close supervision of experienced researchers. This role involves performing standard research tasks, including sample processing, basic data analysis, and maintaining accurate records. Your support will be crucial in helping senior team members execute complex protocols and ensuring the smooth functioning of the lab. Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Provide specialized care for genetically engineered cystic fibrosis (CF) ferret disease models in compliance with approved animal research protocols.
2. Administer diets, medications, and treatments to adult and newborn ferrets using approved methods such as syringe, gavage, and injection while monitoring clinical symptoms and adjusting care plans as needed.
3. Verify incoming animal shipments, confirm identification and genotype records, assess health status upon arrival, and maintain accurate animal records in laboratory databases.
4. Perform in vivo experimental procedures including collection of biological samples such as blood, tissue, urine, and stool during survival and terminal studies.
5. Process and preserve serum, bacterial cultures, and biological specimens for downstream laboratory analyses and collaborative research projects.
6. Maintain laboratory drug inventories including preparation, storage, and tracking of experimental medications according to laboratory protocols.
7. Administer controlled substance compliance procedures by maintaining usage logs, monitoring expiration dates, and ensuring accurate documentation in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
8. Manage biological sample storage and laboratory inventories including preparation of sample labels, cryogenic tubes, and freezer organization.
9. Maintain -80C freezer records, tissue block databases, and specimen archives to ensure accurate tracking, accessibility, and long-term preservation of research materials.
10. Perform other duties as assigned.

Hourly Range

$ 16.50- $21.45

Qualifications

Qualifications

Associate's degree in a related field OR High School diploma or GED and two (2) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Preferences

• Business or Biology degree disciplines preferred