Researcher Lead

Position Summary

The Comba Laboratory in the Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is seeking a highly motivated, innovative, and collaborative Researcher Lead to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate malignant brain tumor development and therapeutic resistance. Our research program focuses on understanding how dynamic interactions between glioma cells and the brain microenvironment drive tumor invasion, recurrence, and treatment resistance.

By integrating cancer biology, neuroscience, extracellular matrix (ECM) biology, spatial transcriptomics, advanced imaging, and immunology, we aim to identify novel therapeutic strategies for patients with glioblastoma. The successful candidate will lead projects aimed at identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets that regulate the tumor microenvironment (TME), with a particular emphasis on extracellular matrix remodeling and tumor brain interactions in high-grade gliomas.

Research will utilize state-of-the-art in vitro models, patient-derived glioma models, organotypic brain slice cultures, and orthotopic mouse models to investigate mechanisms of tumor growth, invasion, and therapeutic response. The overarching goal is to advance discoveries with strong translational potential toward future clinical applications. The ideal candidate will work both independently and collaboratively to lead multiple research projects within the laboratory.

Responsibilities include:

Designing, planning, and executing research studies. Leading day-to-day laboratory operations and coordinating research activities. Collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting experimental data. Developing new experimental approaches and contributing to grant applications and manuscript preparation. Mentoring students and junior laboratory members. Contributing to the strategic planning and long‑term scientific goals of the laboratory. This position offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with access to cutting‑edge technologies, including patient‑derived glioblastoma models, spatial transcriptomics, multiplex imaging, flow cytometry, organotypic brain slice cultures, advanced microscopy, and bioinformatics.

The successful candidate will collaborate with investigators across the UAB O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and an extensive network of national and international leaders in neuro‑oncology, neuroscience, and tumor microenvironment research.

As a Researcher Lead, this emerging leader role will require you to spearhead major research projects and lead a team of researchers towards achieving significant scientific goals. Your responsibilities will include strategic planning, project management, and ensuring the alignment of research activities with organizational objectives. You will play a critical role in mentoring junior researchers, fostering a collaborative research environment, and representing the research team at national and international forums.

Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.