Research Associate 1 - Biology

University of Miami • Coral Gables, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Miami's College of Arts and Sciences has an exciting opportunity for a full time Research Associate 1 to work in Coral Gables, FL. The Wilson Lab seeks a Research Associate for an NSF-funded project testing the hypothesis that mTORC1 acts as a master regulator of the aphid/Buchnera endosymbiosis. Aphids house Buchnera in specialized bacteriocytes and must coordinate bacterial population growth with their own development and reproduction across generations. We are asking whether a conserved nutrient-sensing pathway is the mechanism that makes that coordination possible — a question at the intersection of cell biology and the evolution of symbiosis that has not been addressed directly in any insect system. This is a laboratory-based position carried out as part of a collaborative research team. The Research Associate will contribute to experiments across the project, with a central focus on microinjection and microdissection of aphids, and will share responsibility for maintaining the lab’s aphid colonies and host plants, which requires reliable attention on a regular schedule, including some weekends. This position is well suited for someone preparing for graduate school or developing a technical research career. Prior work on insects or symbiosis is not expected. What matters is curiosity about how endosymbioses are regulated and a willingness to work in a system where some of the tools are still being built. The successful candidate will join the Wilson Lab within the Host-Microbe Interactions (HoMI) Laboratory, part of the Symbiosis@UM cluster in the Department of Biology, on the Coral Gables Campus of the University of Miami.

Requirements

• B.S. in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related life science at time of hire.
• Careful, consistent bench technique and accurate record-keeping.
• The ability to work with limited day-to-day supervision as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of undergraduate research experience in a laboratory setting, or equivalent preferred.
• Standard molecular biology methods (nucleic acid extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis) preferred.
• Light or fluorescence microscopy preferred.
• Rearing or handling of insects or other invertebrates preferred.
• Basic quantitative skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures.
• Participates in the publication of significant results.
• Maintains an overview of relevant research findings.
• Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice.
• Keeps abreast of current publications relative to methods, techniques, and developments within the area of research.
• Collects, prepares, analyzes, dissects, and evaluates specimens or tissue cultures.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Performs a variety of routine assays, tests, and studies.
• Performs calculations to complete research test results, collects data, and performs statistical analysis of laboratory results.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Benefits

• Hands-on training in confocal microscopy, digital droplet PCR, and the microinjection and microdissection of insects
• Contribute to publications as a co-author
• Work alongside undergraduate researchers in the lab
• Mentoring and letters of recommendation for candidates intending to pursue graduate training
• Institutional access to career development resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level