Research Associate 2 - Biology

University of Miami•Coral Gables, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Miami’s College of Arts and Sciences is hiring a full-time Research Associate 2 in Coral Gables, Florida. The role contributes to University research under senior staff supervision and requires understanding, interpreting, and complying with research policies, protocols, and procedures. The position advances the Aims of Firefighter Cancer Initiative grants and conducts basic and applied research on the effects of fire-related contaminants, including metals, PFAS, and PAHs, on zebrafish behavior, neurophysiology, and genetics. The Research Associate leads toxicology projects and independently designs, executes, troubleshoots, and analyzes experiments under the direction of the faculty lab Principal Investigator. Work includes exposure assays; behavioral and neural-behavioral screens; elemental and tissue-burden analyses; zebrafish assays and husbandry; organ dissection; nucleic acid extraction; PCR and electrophoresis; microscopy; staining and oxidative-stress assays; and epigenetic studies across multiple zebrafish generations. The associate maintains detailed laboratory notebooks and helps prepare manuscript-quality figures, write manuscripts, and develop publication results and grant applications. The position also supports laboratory operations, including ordering materials and reagents, cleaning glassware, maintaining research organisms and equipment, managing inventory, ensuring regulatory compliance, and assisting with and training graduate and undergraduate students. It involves collaborating with students, colleagues, and Firefighter Cancer Initiative members, coordinating meetings, disseminating findings, and maintaining an overview of relevant research. Travel between field sites and University of Miami campuses is required. Zebrafish husbandry may include weekends and holidays, and the role requires the ability to lift 50 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
At least 2 years of relevant experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and documenting findings and interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and follow verbal and written instructions.
Excellent data analysis skills, including statistical analysis methods.
Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment safely.
Team-oriented approach and ability to collaborate effectively.
Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
Technical proficiency with office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, and in Zoom; ability to create, edit, and collaborate on documents and communications across platforms.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Valid driver’s license and ability to be insurable under University of Miami policy.
Ability to travel between field sites and University of Miami campuses.

Nice To Haves

Desire to gain proficiency in airborne, dietary, and waterborne exposure methods; behavioral assay development and execution; DNA/RNA extraction; PCR and RT-qPCR; agarose gel electrophoresis; Nanodrop, Tapestation, and Qubit quantification; histopathological analysis; advanced imaging; LA-ICP-MS, ICP-MS, and synchrotron X-Ray Fluorescence imaging; and plumbing, electrical work, and operation of aquatic life-support and exposure systems.

Responsibilities

Conduct specialized and complex research experiments and toxicology projects on the effects of fire-related contaminants on zebrafish.
Design, execute, troubleshoot, and analyze experiments independently under the direction of the faculty lab Principal Investigator.
Develop and conduct exposure assays and high-throughput behavioral and neural-behavioral screens, including optomotor, sperm motility, fecundity, gonad, kidney function, and other assays.
Collect, prepare, analyze, dissect, and evaluate specimens and tissue cultures; conduct tissue and whole-organism elemental burden assessments.
Perform zebrafish screening, husbandry, organ dissections, nucleic acid and RNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis, microscopy, TUNEL staining, oxidative-stress assays, microinjections, cryopreservation, and bisulphite sequencing and epigenetic studies.
Collect and analyze research data, maintain databases, perform statistical analyses, and retain detailed laboratory notebooks.
Interpret and follow research protocols and ensure research adheres to good research practice, guidance, and applicable policies and procedures.
Assist with manuscript preparation, publication-quality figures, writing results and manuscripts, and preparation of grants and extramural proposals.
Coordinate meetings and disseminate findings with members of the Firefighter Cancer Initiative.
Collaborate with the Principal Investigator, graduate and undergraduate students, and colleagues; participate in training sessions and workshops.
Organize and supervise routine laboratory operations, including ordering supplies and reagents, cleaning glassware, maintaining research organisms and equipment, managing inventory, and overseeing regulatory compliance.
Safely operate, maintain, and refurbish laboratory equipment and provide laboratory assistance and training to students.
Advance expertise through continued education, training, and research; maintain an overview of relevant research findings.
Travel between field sites and University of Miami campuses.
Safeguard University assets and follow University and unit-level policies and procedures.