Research Associate 1

University of Miami•Miami, FL

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Miami/UHealth Department of SCCC has an exciting opportunity for a Full Time Research Associate 1 to work at the UHealth campus in Miami, Fl. CORE JOB SUMMARY The Research Associate 1 supports research activities for the assigned division by conducting laboratory experiments on assigned research projects. Moreover, the incumbent operates with the goal of advancing his/her expertise through continued education, training, and research. This position will join the Department of Urology (SCCC), and the research focus is on fundamental metabolic processes that govern prostate cancer progression Our laboratory focuses on mechanistic discovery to understand the metabolic and molecular mechanisms of androgen synthesis and androgen receptor gain-of-function that lead to resistance to hormonal therapy. Our work is revealing fundamental endocrine mechanisms in both normal physiology and disease, including stress, aging, and glucocorticoid resistance, that will lead to broad applications to oncology and cancer physiology. Specific areas include: Metabolic and genetic changes required for hormone therapy resistance in prostate and breast cancers Discovery of entirely new mechanisms of endocrine physiology and regulation Clinical validation in patients and clinical trials using innovative approaches Animal models of advanced cancer for translational and therapeutic studies Identifying targets for the development of new pharmacologic therapies Drug discovery for new therapies This position is ideal for an individual with a strong interest in rapid translation of basic mechanistic discoveries to the bedside as this is a principal goal of the Sharifi Laboratory. For example, we have shown that our discovery of a gain-of-function in a steroid-synthesizing enzyme is a predictive biomarker of poor outcomes after hormonal therapy (Hearn, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2016;17:1435-44; JAMA Oncol. 2018;4:558-62; JAMA Oncol. 2020;6(4):e196496). We are currently evaluating this biomarker in an active clinical trial and are pursuing similar mechanisms and developing new treatment modalities based on these discoveries. The position will provide a unique and multidisciplinary exposure to tumor metabolism, molecular oncology, drug development, and clinical trials.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field
Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
Commitment to the University’s core values.
Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.

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.