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Position Summary
The Comba Laboratory in the Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is seeking a highly motivated, innovative, and collaborative Researcher Lead to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate malignant brain tumor development and therapeutic resistance. Our research program focuses on understanding how dynamic interactions between glioma cells and the brain microenvironment drive tumor invasion, recurrence, and treatment resistance. By integrating cancer biology, neuroscience, extracellular matrix (ECM) biology, spatial transcriptomics, advanced imaging, and immunology, we aim to identify novel therapeutic strategies for patients with glioblastoma. The successful candidate will lead projects aimed at identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets that regulate the tumor microenvironment (TME), with a particular emphasis on extracellular matrix remodeling and tumor brain interactions in high-grade gliomas. Research will utilize state-of-the-art in vitro models, patient-derived glioma models, organotypic brain slice cultures, and orthotopic mouse models to investigate mechanisms of tumor growth, invasion, and therapeutic response. The overarching goal is to advance discoveries with strong translational potential toward future clinical applications. The ideal candidate will work both independently and collaboratively to lead multiple research projects within the laboratory. Responsibilities include: Designing, planning, and executing research studies. Leading day-to-day laboratory operations and coordinating research activities. Collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting experimental data. Developing new experimental approaches and contributing to grant applications and manuscript preparation. Mentoring students and junior laboratory members. Contributing to the strategic planning and long-term scientific goals of the laboratory. This position offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with access to cutting-edge technologies, including patient-derived glioblastoma models, spatial transcriptomics, multiplex imaging, flow cytometry, organotypic brain slice cultures, advanced microscopy, and bioinformatics. The successful candidate will collaborate with investigators across the UAB O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and an extensive network of national and international leaders in neuro-oncology, neuroscience, and tumor microenvironment research.
General Responsibilities
As a Researcher Lead, this emerging leader role will require you to spearhead major research projects and lead a team of researchers towards achieving significant scientific goals. Your responsibilities will include strategic planning, project management, and ensuring the alignment of research activities with organizational objectives. You will play a critical role in mentoring junior researchers, fostering a collaborative research environment, and representing the research team at national and international forums. Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.
Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Lead independent research projects investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying glioblastoma progression, tumor brain interactions, and therapeutic resistance, while contributing to the laboratory's overall scientific vision.
2. Design, execute, and optimize experimental approaches using state-of-the-art techniques, including but not limited to molecular biology, cell culture, patient-derived glioma models, orthotopic mouse models, advanced imaging, spatial transcriptomics, and other multi-omics technologies.
3. Analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific findings through high-impact publications, presentations at national and international conferences, and preparation of lab grant applications to support ongoing and future research initiatives.
4. Contribute to laboratory management and strategic planning, including experimental design, data quality control, protocol development, resource management, regulatory compliance, and implementation of innovative technologies that enhance the laboratory's research capabilities.
5. Participate in laboratory collaborative projects with investigators across UAB and external institutions, integrating multidisciplinary approaches to advance translational neuro-oncology research.
6. Mentor and supervise graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory staff, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating research environment while promoting scientific rigor and professional development.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Range : $ 52,555- $ 85,400
Qualifications
Qualifications
Master's degree in a related field and one (1) years of related experience OR Bachelor's degree in related field and three (3) years of related experience OR Associate's degree in related field and five (5) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.
Preferences

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in cancer biology, neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, computational biology, or related biomedical fields.
• Experience with cell culture, animal models, molecular biology, imaging, or computational analysis.
• Experience with 3D organoids or slices models, confocal imaging and Bioinformatics analysis is desirable.
• We are seeking individuals who are enthusiastic and collaborative.

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.