RESEARCHER ASSOCIATE (ANIMAL REARING) Position Available In Jefferson, Alabama

RESEARCHER ASSOCIATE

(ANIMAL REARING)
University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States
about 17 hours ago

Location:

Birmingham, ALABAMA
RESEARCHER

ASSOCIATE

(ANIMAL REARING) – (T225950)
Description

Position Summary:

The Research staff will support research activities by implementing clinical care plans, assisting with reproductive technologies, performing bioassays, and conducting various laboratory procedures to support ongoing scientific investigations. The Research Assistant will assist in the care and feed of ferret disease models, including performing essential animal care, health monitoring, and experimental procedures. This role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare, including after-hours, weekend, and holiday work.
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 and Responsibilities
Uses expertise and ingenuity in the application of a wide variety of specialized and advanced techniques.
Assist in the implementation of clinical plans, including administering specialized diets, pancreatic enzyme supplements, and prescription medications.
Assist in the daily care of disease model ferrets, including feeding, dosing, and maintaining accurate records. Perform close monitoring of animals for clinical symptoms, adapting care based on health status.
Conduct daily health assessments for CF ferrets, valuable breeders, and transgenic founder animals, promptly reporting concerns to lab team leaders and Institutional Veterinary health team members in ARP.
Assimilates the details and significance of various scientific analyses and procedures.
Execute planned research activities, including biological sample collection (tissue, urine, stool).
Perform routine and specialized experimental procedures in the care of newborn and adult ferrets with genetic diseases.
Participate in night monitoring of animals, including emergency response and the administration of drug treatments.
Applies scientific principles to the solution of critical issues Maintain accurate records of drug treatments, rearing conditions, and clinical observations.
Conduct select bioassays and assist in reproductive technologies to support research objectives.

On-Call Emergency Response Duties:

Serve as part of the ferret healthcare team, responding to animal welfare concerns on a rotating 24/7 on-call basis. Carry a dedicated ferret healthcare cell phone for one week per rotation to provide emergency assistance when needed. Respond to Institutional Veterinary (ARP) healthcare emails and provide input on treatment decisions, including euthanasia considerations if necessary. Technicians must be prepared work in adverse weather conditions such as snowstorms or ice storms to safeguard animal well-being.
Perform other duties as assigned

Salary Range:

$19.80 – $25.75
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.

Preferred:

Strong observational skills to monitor and assess animal health.
Ability to handle animals confidently and perform clinical procedures. Detail-oriented with excellent record-keeping abilities. Effective communication and teamwork skills for coordinating with veterinary staff, researchers, and Institutional Animal Care teams. Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and emergency on-call shifts. 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, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, 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/titleix.
Primary Location
: University
Job Category
: Clinical Research
Organization
: 311402800 Med – Pulmonary/Allergy/Critical Care
Employee Status
: Regular

Shift:

Day/1st Shift
Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager): Onsite