User Research Assistant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

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.

General Responsibilities

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.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Microbiological Techniques: Culturing and maintaining bacterial strains.

2. Preparing growth media, buffers, reagents, and stock solutions.

3. Performing bacterial transformations, conjugation, and genetic manipulation Isolating DNA, RNA, and proteins.

4. Conducting PCR, qPCR, cloning, and sequencing preparations.

5. Monitoring microbial growth and viability.

6. Maintaining strain collections and frozen stocks.

7. Experimental Research: Executing experiments designed by the PI and postdoctoral fellows.

8. Assisting graduate students with complex experiments that require multiple personnel.

9. Performing infection assays with cultured mammalian cells.

10. Assisting with animal studies, including inoculation, sample collection, and tissue collection (once trained and approved).

11. Conducting microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, and other molecular assays.

12. Collecting and organizing experimental data Assisting with validation and replication studies.

13. Laboratory Management: Assisting with ordering supplies, reagents, and equipment.

14. Helping to manage inventory and maintain reagent databases.

15. Receiving and documenting shipments.

16. Preparing shared reagents for the laboratory.

17. Coordinating and facilitating equipment, maintenance and service visits.

18. Training new laboratory members on routine procedures.

19. Data and Documentation: Maintaining laboratory notebooks and electronic records.

20. Entering and organizing data in spreadsheets and databases.

21. Assisting with statistical analyses and data visualization.

22. Preparing figures and summaries for laboratory meetings.

23. Contributing methods sections for manuscripts or reports.

24. Compliance and Safety Maintaining BSL-2 (or other) safety standards.

25. Completing biosafety, chemical safety, and bloodborne pathogen documentation Managing biohazard waste disposal.

26. Ensuring laboratory protocols comply with IBC, IRB, IACUC, NIH, and institutional guidelines, where applicable.

27. Participating in laboratory inspections and safety audits.

28. Writing: Assist with grant preparation and progress reports Co-author scientific publications

29. Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Range:   $ 50,050- $ 55,000

Qualifications

Master's degree in a related field OR Bachelor's degree in related field and two (2) years of related experience OR Associate's degree in related field and four (4) years of related experience required or High School diploma or GED and six (6) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Preferences

• MS in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, cell biology, or related life science field AND at least 2 years of experience with microbiological techniques in a research setting.
   

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.