Career Center

Position Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Med - Pulmonary/Allergy/Critical Care, is in search of an experienced and dedicated Research Scientist Senior to join their team. As a Research Scientist Senior, you will serve as a senior scientific manager supporting the National Therapeutics Resource Institute's (NTRI) research mission in molecular medicine and gene therapy. This role combines broad-based scientific knowledge with advanced technical expertise and hands-on operational leadership and has significant responsibility for maintaining and optimizing shared laboratory infrastructure. The Research Scientist Senior exercises independent judgment in executing standard operating procedures that support complex laboratory research programs, troubleshooting infrastructure challenges, creating solution-oriented workflows for institutional bottlenecks like procurement, and ensuring continuity of research operations. This position provides day-to-day oversight of at least one technician and multiple undergraduate students, coordinating workflow, assigning tasks, and ensuring quality and efficiency in laboratory operations. While this role supports project execution and operational continuity, it does not carry formal budgetary responsibility beyond procurement and does not serve as the primary evaluator of experimental data outcomes. This position focuses primarily on oversight of laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and maintenance of research facilities and infrastructure. The role collaborates closely with faculty, research staff, vendors, and institutional partners to ensure high standards of scientific integrity, compliance with institutional and federal regulations, and sustains operational excellence of laboratory environments.

General Responsibilities

A Research Scientist Senior oversees substantial research projects, providing expert guidance and ensuring rigorous scientific standards. This role involves a broader scope of responsibility, including project management, cross-functional collaboration, and securing funding through grant proposals. Senior scientists exercise considerable discretion in research decisions and play a pivotal role in shaping the research agenda. Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Implement an efficient electronic system for ordering, reconciling, and inventory maintenance in collaboration with the college's information technology.

2. Maintain and optimize shared laboratory infrastructure, equipment, FBS equipment, shared booking system, and core workflows.

3. Troubleshoot instrumentation and technical issues to minimize downtime and ensure research continuity.

4. Oversee routine laboratory functions including equipment calibration, preventative maintenance scheduling, and documentation.

5. Oversee the development and maintenance of laboratory documentation, including protocols (IACUC, IRB, rDNA, RAM, DEA, EHS) as applicable.

6. Manage the adherence to institutional and regulatory standards in daily laboratory activities.

7. Ensure accurate records of laboratory activities, maintenance logs, and compliance documentation are maintained.

8. Onboard new laboratory staff in the above areas.

9. Provide direct day-to-day oversight of a technician and undergraduate students.

10. Grow the oversight team over time to accommodate growth in activities of the unit.

11. Manage laboratory tasks to ensure efficient support of research activities.

12. Oversee and provide hands-on training in laboratory equipment, safety, and operational procedures.

13. Monitor quality and consistency of laboratory processes and outputs.

14. Serve as primary point of contact for equipment vendors and service providers.

15. Coordinate service visits, preventative maintenance contracts, and equipment repairs.

16. Oversee the management, and procurement of new laboratory equipment and supplies.

17. Maintain documentation related to service agreements, warranties, and equipment performance.

18. Support faculty and research teams by overseeing implementation of established experimental protocols that support laboratory efficiency.

19. Provide technical input to improve workflows and laboratory efficiency.

20. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain alignment with research goals.

21. Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Range: $81,525- $ 105,980

Qualifications

Doctorate degree in a related field and three (3) years of related experience OR Master's degree in a related field and five (5) years of related experience OR Bachelor's degree in a related field and seven (7) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Preferences

• A Master's degree or higher in Biology, Biochemistry, and Genetics is preferred.
  

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