Assistant Scientist

University of Miami•Miami, FL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Scientist, SOM carries out a particular research agenda in support of the University’s research goals and objectives. Moreover, the Assistant Scientist, SOM contributes to the scientific community by publishing research findings and promotes the University’s reputation as a leader in the field. This is a core job profile description and is not reflective of all duties that may be assigned to a specific position in each individual department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and primary responsibilities of this core job profile. Specific duties and tasks may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.

Requirements

Doctorate degree - Philosophy (PhD) required
Minimum 1 year 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.
Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Biology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
Demonstrated experience with patch-clamp electrophysiology and neuronal recording techniques.
Experience in synaptic physiology and/or ion channel physiology.
Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques.
Extensive knowledge of electrophysiological techniques and experimental neuroscience.
Knowledge of molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience.
Ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex research experiments.
Strong analytical, scientific writing, and data interpretation skills.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to mentor trainees and contribute to grant and manuscript preparation.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mouse models and behavioral neuroscience preferred.
Experience with optogenetics, genetically encoded sensors, imaging techniques, or related neuroscience methodologies preferred.

Responsibilities

Contributes to basic and applied research activities and authors scientific publications, technical and agency reports, and patent preparations.
Collaborates with senior staff to publish findings in refereed journals.
Creates and conducts experiments and analyzes results.
Works with other researchers to use and develop end products.
Writes extramural proposals with approval from appropriate senior staff.
Provides ready access to all experimental data for managing staff.
Requests or acquires equipment and supplies for assigned project(s).
Uses the internet, surveys, legal documents, and other available sources to collect information.
Applies for grants to continue research and prepares materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations.
Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
Perform patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments to study how nerve cells communicate.
Use electrophysiology together with imaging techniques, genetically encoded sensors, and optogenetics to study brain function.
Conduct behavioral studies using genetically modified mouse models to better understand brain disorders and behavior.
Perform live-cell imaging and use molecular and cellular biology techniques to support neuroscience research.
Participate in research focused on drug discovery for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Study the biological mechanisms involved in drug addiction, movement disorders, and learning disabilities.
Investigate proteins and signaling pathways that regulate communication between nerve cells and brain circuits.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to plan, conduct, analyze, and report research findings.