Position Summary: As a Research 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 participant contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens. Contribution to Lab management. Training of new group members in technologies and protocols used in the laboratory. General laboratory management, such as administration of lab inventory, ordering, instrument and lab reagent maintenance, animal colony maintenance, and budget management. Interface with UAB's service departments including building maintenance, scientific instrument maintenance, core facilities, and animal facilities/IACUC. Maintains lab oversight of institutional compliance and regulation. Duties and Responsibilities: * Uses expertise and ingenuity in the application of a wide variety of specialized and advanced techniques. * Applies scientific principles to the solution of critical issues; evaluating approaches to unforeseen or novel problems. * Assimilates the details and significance of various scientific analyses and procedures. * Independently performs assigned projects with direction only as to the general result expected. * Communicates findings via recognized publications and scientific meetings. * May be required to arrange grant proposals for new funding, preparing and editing of grant applications and manuscript. * This position does involve research animal contact. * Perform other duties as assigned Salary Range: $19.80 - $32.15 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: * Degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, or a related biological field. * Experience working or volunteering in a laboratory. * Interest in neurobiology and psychiatric diseases. * Interest and willingness to work with rodent (mouse) models. * Interest and willingness to learn about data analysis using Python. * Organized and methodical in data collection and lab management. * Ability to work alone or with others. * Reliable and committed to the lab. * Previous experience as a lab manager. * Previous experience working with rats/mice. * Experience with any of the following: rodent surgery, animal handing/behavior, histological techniques, microscopy. * Experience with basic statistical analyses. * Experience coding with Python. The ideal candidate should possess the following qualities: * Strong initiative, self-motivation, and capacity for creative problem solving. * Strong verbal and written communication skills. * Strong organizational skills, prioritization skills, and time management skills. * Meticulous attention to detail with emphasis on keeping records of experiments and results. * Proficient computer skills * Ability to work well both independently and as a member of a team. * Ability to follow instructions with an eagerness to learn, grow professionally, and be mentored. * Ability to interact positively with all levels of staff. * Ability to work efficiently and be adaptable to changing priorities. 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.edu/titleix.