RESEARCH SENIOR

University of Alabama at Birmingham•University, MS

40d

About The Position

The Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine is seeking an experienced Researcher Senior to lead and advance an integrated program studying trigeminal neuropathic pain. The successful candidate will coordinate animal behavioral assessments of pain, perform electrophysiological recordings from trigeminal ganglion neurons, and conduct molecular biology experiments to uncover mechanisms underlying chemotherapy- and injury-induced pain. This role combines scientific leadership with hands-on experimentation, mentorship, and strategic project management to drive high-impact discoveries and reproducible science. General Responsibilities As a Researcher Senior, you will have expanded responsibilities, overseeing complex or multiple research projects and providing strategic direction. This professional-level role involves mentoring junior researchers, managing project budgets, and ensuring the integrity and quality of research outcomes. Your expertise will be critical in guiding experimental design, data interpretation, and contributing to high-impact publications. Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.

Requirements

Doctorate degree in a related field OR Master's degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience OR Bachelor's degree in related field and four (4) years of related experience required.
Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Nice To Haves

Experience with chemotherapeutic agents that induce neuropathic pain and/or established models of trigeminal nerve injury.
Familiarity with translational aspects of pain research and potential for clinical collaboration.
History of securing competitive funding or contributing to grant proposals.
Masters or PhD Science Related Degree

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee complex and/or multiple research projects focused on trigeminal neuropathic pain and related mechanisms.
Design, plan, and execute experiments across behavioral neuroscience, electrophysiology, and molecular biology, ensuring rigorous methodology and reproducibility.
Conduct or supervise animal behavioral assays to evaluate pain states induced by chemotherapy agents and trigeminal nerve injury.
Perform electrophysiological recordings from trigeminal ganglion neurons to elucidate neural mechanisms of pain.
Carry out molecular biology experiments (e.g., gene/protein expression analyses, signaling pathway investigations) relevant to trigeminal neuropathic pain.
Interpret data, integrate findings across methodologies, and provide strategic direction for experimental design and future studies.
Mentor and supervise junior researchers, technicians, and trainees; provide feedback, training, and career development guidance.
Manage project budgets, timelines, milestones, and resource allocation; ensure fiscal stewardship and compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements.
Disseminate data and contribute to manuscript drafting and participate in manuscript submission and revisions for high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
Facilitate collaboration with internal and external researchers, including research collaborators, clinicians, and animal facility staff as applicable.
Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards (IACUC/animal welfare, biosafety, data integrity, and ethical guidelines).
Represent the lab in meetings, grant applications, and scientific conferences as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.