Post Doctoral Associate - Physiology & Biophysics

University of Miami • Miami, FL

1d

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Associate performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of managing staff and contributes to the institution’s recognition through scientific contributions. In the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, the role focuses on neuroscience research, including how nerve cells communicate and how brain function and behavior relate to neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The position uses patch-clamp electrophysiology alongside imaging techniques, genetically encoded sensors, and optogenetics. Research may include genetically modified mouse models, behavioral studies, live-cell imaging, and molecular and cellular biology methods. The associate also participates in drug-discovery research and studies biological mechanisms associated with drug addiction, movement disorders, and learning disabilities.

The associate collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to plan, conduct, analyze, and report research. The role also involves preparing research reports and technical papers, investigating scientific principles, maintaining current knowledge of relevant methods and theories, and developing analytical models and systems to support decisions. A doctorate in a relevant field is required; previous experience is not required for the core job profile. The department prefers candidates with a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline and experience in electrophysiology and related neuroscience methods.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree in a relevant field.
• Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a team environment.
• Proficiency with office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Previous experience is not required by the core job profile.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in assigned areas of study.
• Prepare research reports and technical papers for publication.
• Investigate the feasibility of applying scientific principles and theories.
• Maintain substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
• Develop advanced analytical models and systems and provide solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
• Follow University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguard University assets.
• Perform patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments to study nerve-cell communication.
• Use electrophysiology with imaging techniques, genetically encoded sensors, and optogenetics to study brain function.
• Conduct behavioral studies using genetically modified mouse models to investigate brain disorders and behavior.
• Perform live-cell imaging and use molecular and cellular biology techniques to support neuroscience research.
• Participate in drug-discovery research for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
• Study 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.
• Mentor trainees and contribute to grant and manuscript preparation, as indicated among preferred qualifications.

Benefits

• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Tuition remission

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree