Researcher Associate

Position Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Psych - Behavioral Neurobiology department is seeking a Researcher Associate to join the team of The Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Lab. Research in our lab is driven by a passion to improve women's health across the lifespan. Compared to men, women exhibit increased susceptibility to stress-related psychiatric illnesses (i.e., post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and major depressive disorders) and Alzheimer's disease. Epidemiological data strongly implicate ovarian hormones as key drivers in these sex differences. We utilize a multifaceted, systems-based approach that combines in vivo behavioral manipulations with ex vivo electrophysiological, transcriptional, anatomical, and endocrinological analyses in mouse models to dissect the neurobiological mechanisms underlying sex differences in behavior and pathology relevant to these illnesses at the levels of the cell and the circuit. This position is a mix of managerial (30%) and research support (70%). Occasional work on nights, weekends, and holidays may be required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with mouse models and the lab's research techniques.

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

• Managerial Tasks: Ensuring regulatory compliance. Ordering, inventorying, and maintaining supplies and equipment. Onboarding new lab members. Managing undergraduate research assistants. Ensuring all lab members abide by the lab policies and operating procedures.

• Research Support Tasks: Mouse colony management, including husbandry, weaning, post-operative care, and estrous cycle monitoring. Mastering common standard operating procedures. Maintaining/cleaning equipment and lab space. Collaborating with others on research projects. Running independent projects related to the lab's funding. Contributing to manuscripts and grants.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Hourly Range: $19.80- $ 32.15

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

• Bachelor's degree OR Associate's degree in the field of Neuroscience, biological psychology, biological sciences and two (2) years of related experience.

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.