Research Associate 2 - Biology

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The University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences, has an exciting opportunity for a full time Research Associate 2 to work in Coral Gables, FL.

The Research Associate 2, GAB contributes to the University's research activities under the supervision of senior staff. Moreover, the incumbent understands, interprets, and complies with research policies and protocols.

Core responsibilities

• Performs specialized and complex experiments.
• Participates in the publication of significant research results.
• Advances expertise through education, training, and research.
• Writes extramural proposals to gain support when appropriate.
• Collects, prepares, analyzes, dissects, and evaluates specimens and tissue cultures.
• Weighs and anesthetizes laboratory animals for experiments.
• Operates sensitive and highly complex laboratory equipment.
• Performs calculations to complete research test results.
• Performs photography and dark room processing.
• Participates in training sessions and workshops.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Department Specific Functions

• Advances the Aims of Firefighter Cancer Initiative grants
• Contributes to basic and applied research activities by collecting and analyzing data, maintaining databases, etc.
• Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures.
• Participates in the publication of significant results.
• Coordinate meetings and disseminate findings with members from the Firefighter Cancer

Initiative

• Advances expertise through continued education, training and/or research.
• Maintains an overview of relevant research findings.
• Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice and guidance.
• Write manuscripts for publication
• Assist with gathering data and writing results for publication, and acquiring grants
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and documenting findings
• Able to work independently
• Able to follow verbal and written instructions
• Excellent data analysis skills, including statistical analysis methods
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Desire to gain proficiency in lab techniques such as:
• Airborne, dietary, and waterborne exposures
• Behavioral assay development and execution
• DNA/RNA extraction
• PCR, RT-qPCR
• Agarose gel electrophoresis
• Nanodrop, Tapestation, and Qubit quantification
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment safely
• Team-oriented with effective collaboration capabilities
• Zebrafish husbandry including some weekends and holidays
• Histopathological analysis
• Advanced imaging
• LA-ICP-MS, ICP-MS, synchrotron X-Ray Fluorescence imaging
• Plumbing, electrical, and operation of aquatic life support and exposure system
• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Travel between field sites and UM campuses
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, and Zoom with the ability to efficiently create, edit, and collaborate on documents and communications across platforms.
• Valid driver's license with ability to be insurable by the University of Miami policy

Additional information

60% Lead toxicology projects related to understanding the effects of fire related contaminants (e.g., metals, PFAS, PAHs) on the behavior, neurophysiology, and genetics of zebrafish, carry out elemental analysis to study tissue and whole burden assessments, develop high throughput behavioral and neural-behavioral screens including optimizing exposure assays, optomotor assays, sperm motility assays, cryopreservation, gonad assay, fecundity assays, kidney function assay, organ dissections, RNA extraction, bisulphite sequencing for multiple zebrafish generations, epigenetic studies, zebrafish screening, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, running of electrophoresis gels, microscopic analysis, Tunel staining, oxidative stress assays, microinjections, understand and interpret research protocols and procedures and to employ creativity and latitude in performing research tasks under the direction of the faculty lab Principal Investigator.

Responsible for independent design, execution, troubleshooting, and analysis of experiments and retaining a detailed laboratory notebook. Assists in preparation of manuscript quality figures and writing.

20% contribute to basic research activities, participate and assist PI with preparing research results for publication, assist PI with grant preparation, collaborate with graduate students, undergraduates and colleagues, and advance their expertise through education, training and/or research experience

15% organization and supervision of routine laboratory operations, including ordering of materials and reagents, cleaning glassware, maintenance of research organisms, maintenance and refurbishing lab equipment, managing lab inventory and equipment, overseeing regulatory compliance, as well as provide laboratory assistance and training to graduate and undergraduate students.

Application Materials

Direct all inquiries to Dr. Delia Shelton (). Please include your CV, a writing sample, a statement of interest and the names and contact information for three professional references.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field required
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience required
• Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
• Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

Additional information

• The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation's premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.
• With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.
• We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.
• Job Status: Full time
• Employee Type: Staff