Researcher Associate

Position Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Radiology Chair Office, is in search of a dedicated Researcher Associate to join their team. This position requires independent judgment and technical expertise to support complex preclinical imaging studies involving animal models of cancer and other diseases. The incumbent must evaluate research objectives, determine appropriate imaging methodologies, coordinate study activities, and troubleshoot technical issues related to imaging instrumentation, animal procedures, and data acquisition. Key decisions include selecting and implementing experimental protocols, ensuring compliance with institutional, regulatory, and safety requirements, prioritizing multiple concurrent research projects, and identifying solutions to technical or operational challenges that may affect study outcomes. The position also requires judgment in the operation and maintenance of sophisticated imaging equipment, management of research data, and coordination of study schedules with investigators and facility personnel. The incumbent must effectively communicate with principal investigators, trainees, veterinarians, and research staff to ensure successful project execution while maintaining high standards of scientific rigor, data quality, and animal welfare. This role requires balancing competing priorities, adapting to changing research needs, and exercising discretion when addressing complex research and operational issues. Errors in judgment could result in compromised research data, delays in funded projects, noncompliance with regulatory requirements, equipment downtime, or increased operational costs. This position involves research in multi-modality imaging and animal models of cancer, and requires knowledge in the use of the instruments, animal models, as well as other areas (in vitro assays, radio-labeling) that are required for experimentation. Additionally, this project will require assistance with translational clinical studies.

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

• Animal handling includes dissection, injection with therapeutics, injection with radioactive or optical compounds and may include basic animal husbandry.

• Handling animal and/or human tissue.

• Operate equipment for imaging small animals.

• Maintenance of various cell lines for experiments and cell culture equipment.

• Microscope work and basic image analysis.

• Collection of tissue, blood or other biological specimens.

• Bench chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or other scientific techniques.

• Collection of preclinical and clinical imaging data

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Hourly Range: $ 19.80- $ 25.00

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 in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Engineering, or a related scientific field and two (2) years of related research experience preferred.

• Experience with pre-clinical and/or clinical imaging acquisition and analysis and experience working with pre-clinical studies.

• Knowledge of preclinical imaging principles and multimodality imaging systems, including MRI, PET, SPECT, CT, and optical imaging.

• Knowledge of small animal research techniques, including handling, restraint, dosing, and monitoring in accordance with IACUC guidelines.

• Knowledge of cancer biology and commonly used rodent models of disease.

• Knowledge of laboratory techniques such as cell culture, molecular biology assays, tissue processing, histology, and radiotracer handling (preferred).

• Knowledge of research compliance requirements, including animal care and use regulations, radiation safety, and institutional research policies.

• Knowledge of data management practices and basic statistical concepts relevant to biomedical research.

Key Skills

• Skilled in operating and supporting preclinical imaging instrumentation and associated software systems. Skilled in performing laboratory and in vivo experimental procedures with accuracy and attention to detail. Skilled in data acquisition, processing, and analysis using imaging and scientific software tools.

• Strong organizational and time management skills to coordinate multiple concurrent research projects and deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with investigators, trainees, and multidisciplinary research teams.

• Strong troubleshooting skills for resolving technical, procedural, and operational issues.

• Ability to independently plan, execute, and support complex research studies with minimal supervision.

• Ability to interpret experimental protocols and apply them accurately in a research setting.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment supporting multiple investigators.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing research demands and schedules. Ability to maintain accurate documentation, ensure data integrity, and comply with regulatory requirements.

• Ability to identify problems and implement practical solutions to maintain continuity of research operations.

• Ability to communicate effectively with scientific and non-scientific personnel in a professional manner.

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.