The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is seeking a skilled Researcher to join the team. This position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Carlos Orihuela in the Department of Microbiology. The Researcher provides technical and operational support for a research laboratory focused on microbiology, molecular biology, and infectious disease research. This position is responsible for conducting laboratory experiments, maintaining microbial cultures and laboratory resources, collecting and organizing data, supporting compliance activities, and contributing to scientific publications and grant-related activities. The incumbent works closely with the Principal Investigator (PI), postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel to advance ongoing research projects.
As a Researcher, you will play a key role in driving scientific discovery by independently leading and executing research projects. This professional-level position demands a high degree of expertise and judgement in designing studies, analyzing data, and may involve assistants in publishing findings. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, and contribute to grant writing and securing funding for future research. Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.
Microbiological Techniques: Culturing and maintaining bacterial strains.
Preparing growth media, buffers, reagents, and stock solutions.
Performing bacterial transformations, conjugation, and genetic manipulation Isolating DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Conducting PCR, qPCR, cloning, and sequencing preparations.
Monitoring microbial growth and viability.
Maintaining strain collections and frozen stocks.
Experimental Research: Executing experiments designed by the PI and postdoctoral fellows.
Assisting graduate students with complex experiments that require multiple personnel.
Performing infection assays with cultured mammalian cells.
Assisting with animal studies, including inoculation, sample collection, and tissue collection (once trained and approved).
Conducting microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, and other molecular assays.
Collecting and organizing experimental data Assisting with validation and replication studies.
Laboratory Management: Assisting with ordering supplies, reagents, and equipment.
Helping to manage inventory and maintain reagent databases.
Receiving and documenting shipments.
Preparing shared reagents for the laboratory.
Coordinating and facilitating equipment, maintenance and service visits.
Training new laboratory members on routine procedures.
Data and Documentation: Maintaining laboratory notebooks and electronic records.
Entering and organizing data in spreadsheets and databases.
Assisting with statistical analyses and data visualization.
Preparing figures and summaries for laboratory meetings.
Contributing methods sections for manuscripts or reports.
Compliance and Safety Maintaining BSL-2 (or other) safety standards.
Completing biosafety, chemical safety, and bloodborne pathogen documentation Managing biohazard waste disposal.
Ensuring laboratory protocols comply with IBC, IRB, IACUC, NIH, and institutional guidelines, where applicable.
Participating in laboratory inspections and safety audits.
Writing: Assist with grant preparation and progress reports Co-author scientific publications
Perform other duties as assigned.
