Assoc. Scientist, SOM (A)

University of Miami•Miami, FL

11d

About The Position

The Surgery department has an exciting opportunity for an Associate Scientist, SOM (A) position. The incumbent supports the University’s research goals and objectives by performing laboratory experiments in his/her areas of interest, expertise, or assignment. Moreover, the incumbent performs various analytical procedures involving method development and application development and synthesis. The Associate Scientist in Pancreatic Cancer Biology will play a central role in advancing a high-impact translational research program within the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. The position to join Dr. Nagathihalli’s Lab offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-impact translational research program focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying pancreatic cancer, with the overarching goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets and strategies. The research program is embedded within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that emphasizes scientific rigor, innovation, and translational potential. The successful candidate will work on integrative projects involving in vivo mouse models, tumor immunobiology, and multi-omic profiling, with particular attention to mechanisms of tumor progression, immune modulation, and therapeutic resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The role involves designing and executing hypothesis-driven experiments using genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), PDXs, Organoids, orthotopic/xenograft/metastatic systems, and advanced molecular and cellular techniques to explore discovery-to-translational programs, tumor progression, immune modulation, and treatment resistance. The successful candidate will integrate multi-omic and immunological approaches, such as single-cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and tumor microenvironment profiling, and apply bioinformatic tools (e.g., R) to analyze complex datasets. Additional responsibilities include contributing to manuscript and grant preparation, engage in collaborative research projects, conduct regular lab meetings, presenting findings at scientific conferences, mentoring junior trainees, and supporting lab organization and collaborative efforts within a rigorous and innovation-driven environment.

Requirements

Ph.D., M.D. or other doctoral level degree in relevant field
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience
This position requires 4-5 years of basic laboratory research experience, including in cancer models.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated proficiency in working with mouse models, including breeding, surgical tumor implantation, and conducting functional assays.
Candidates should also possess a strong publication record in high-impact journals, supervising post-docs/graduate students, and a collaborative scientific mindset.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell/Molecular Biology, or related life sciences. Expertise in pancreatic cancer research with experience is preferred.
A strong background in cancer biology including cancer immunology is highly desirable.
Experience with handling and supervising research projects, single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis, and integration of multi-omic datasets is considered an advantage.

Responsibilities

Contributes to basic and applied research activities including authorship of scientific publications, technical and agency reports, and patent preparations.
Publishes in refereed journals in collaboration with department leadership or independently.
Supervises research employees and non-exempt staff.
Writes extramural proposals with approval of senior managing staff.
Creates and conducts experiments and analyzes results.
Works with other researchers to use and develop end products.
Provides ready access to all experimental data for the faculty researchers, supervisors, and other relevant staff.
Requests or acquires equipment and supplies for assigned project(s).
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.
Contributing to manuscript and grant preparation
Engage in collaborative research projects
Conduct regular lab meetings
Presenting findings at scientific conferences
Mentoring junior trainees
Supporting lab organization and collaborative efforts within a rigorous and innovation-driven environment.