RESEARCHER ASSISTANT

Position Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Anatomic Pathology, is in search of a dedicated Researcher Assistant to join their team. This is a unique position that combines scientific and business components; therefore, strong communication skills are essential, along with the ability to multitask, stay organized, manage time effectively, and adapt to changes based on user requests.

General Responsibilities

As a Researcher Assistant, you will contribute to the daily operations of research projects under the close supervision of experienced researchers. This role involves performing standard research tasks, including sample processing, basic data analysis, and maintaining accurate records. Your support will be crucial in helping senior team members execute complex protocols and ensuring the smooth functioning of the lab. Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure that proper specimens are received in the core lab and verify specimen integrity.
• Perform pre-analytical steps to prepare specimens for analysis in accordance with established protocols.
• Communicate with core laboratory users as needed to clarify requisition details.
• Keep accurate and updated documentation for histology requests received in path core lab.
• Assist in handling the histology requests received in tissue biorepository histology lab.
• Data entry to RedCap for all projects and generate monthly report for lab productivity.
• Perform various histological procedures according to the established safety and technical protocols. Those include tissue processing, embedding, sectioning on microtome and staining (routine HE stain and special stains).
• Use proper standards and controls to ensure quality data.
• Troubleshoot controls, instruments and other problems as needed.
• Work in a steady, efficient manner such that an appropriate number of procedures are performed in a specified time frame with minimal repeats.
• Monitor supplies including dating and storing new reagents as received, observing expiration dates, checking new reagents before use, and maintaining reagent log and control systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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

Preferences

• Stem major preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Office

Skills

• Effective communication skills
• Quick learner
• Adapt to changes
• Act in a timely manner
• Teamwork

Pay

Hourly Range: $16.50 - $26.80