Postdoctoral Associate (Neuroscience Institute)

University of Miami • Miami, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Miami/UHealth Office of the Dean has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Postdoctoral Associate to work at the UHealth campus in Miami, Fl. The Postdoctoral Associate performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of managing staff. Moreover, the Postdoctoral Associate promotes institutional recognition through literal contributions to the scientific community. The Postdoctoral Associate will contribute to advanced neuroscience research projects focused on disease mechanisms, neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative pathways, and translational therapeutic development. The position requires independent scientific inquiry, mastery of molecular and behavioral neuroscience techniques, and the ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree Medicine (MD) 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, Neuropharmacology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related biomedical field, with rigorous training in CNS disease models and mechanistic research.
• Prior experience conducting research in areas such as neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, behavioral neuroscience, or molecular neuroscience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with rodent models, behavioral testing, molecular assays, imaging, and cell‑based experimental systems aligned with laboratory research priorities.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through publications or presented research.
• Experience designing and optimizing experimental workflows involving complex signaling pathways and multi‑level data integration.
• Strong foundational and applied knowledge of CNS disease mechanisms and neurobiological pathways.
• Proficiency in molecular biology, imaging, histology, animal behavior, and biochemical techniques used in neuroscience research.
• Ability to plan and conduct independent research, interpret experimental results, and communicate findings clearly.
• Commitment to scientific rigor, problem‑solving, and continuous learning.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic research environment and contribute to team‑based scientific efforts.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned.
• Prepares research reports and technical papers for publishing.
• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories.
• Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
• Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
• Design and execute independent research studies involving molecular, cellular, and in vivo models of CNS disorders, including depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS‑related mechanisms.
• Utilize rodent behavioral paradigms to assess emotional, cognitive, and motor functions, supporting preclinical evaluation of novel interventions.
• Conduct in‑depth molecular biology and biochemical analyses, including Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, gene expression assays, RNA/protein isolation, and autophagy/oxidative stress assessments.
• Perform neuroimaging and histological techniques such as immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, Nissl staining, Golgi staining, and use of fluorescent probes to interrogate cellular and subcellular mechanisms.
• Apply advanced subcellular fractionation workflows to isolate mitochondria, ER, MAM, plasma membrane, synaptosomes, and other compartments relevant to mechanistic studies.
• Integrate multi‑modal datasets to investigate molecular pathways including neuroinflammatory cascades, mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic signaling, stress‑response mechanisms, and proteinopathy‑related pathways.
• Analyze experimental outcomes using appropriate quantitative, imaging, and behavioral analysis tools, and prepare publication‑ready data presentations.
• Develop and draft research manuscripts, figures, and technical reports for scientific dissemination and peer‑reviewed publication.
• Support grant‑related work by generating preliminary data, presenting experimental findings, and contributing to scientific rationale statements.
• Engage in academic discussions, journal clubs, and research meetings to contextualize findings within the broader neuroscience field.
• Maintain laboratory protocols and ensure compliance with research integrity, biosafety, and ethical standards.
• Supervise or assist with training of laboratory personnel, students, or rotating researchers on experimental methods and data analysis.
• Collaborate across research subteams to support multi‑disciplinary projects and integrated scientific objectives.
• Manage experimental timelines, troubleshoot technical challenges, and adapt methodologies to emerging research questions.

Benefits

• The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees