Research Associate 2 - Biology

University of Miami•Coral Gables, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Miami’s College of Arts and Sciences is hiring a full-time Research Associate 2 to work in Coral Gables, Florida. Under the supervision of senior staff and the faculty lab Principal Investigator, the Research Associate contributes to university research activities and complies with research policies, protocols, and good research practices. The role advances the aims of Firefighter Cancer Initiative grants and supports research on the effects of fire-related contaminants, including metals, PFAS, and PAHs, on zebrafish behavior, neurophysiology, and genetics. The position leads toxicology projects and independently designs, executes, troubleshoots, and analyzes experiments while maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks. Research activities include elemental analysis of tissue and whole-body burdens; developing exposure assays and behavioral and neural-behavioral screens; zebrafish assays and husbandry; tissue and organ dissection; nucleic acid extraction and molecular analyses; imaging and microscopy; and other laboratory techniques. The Research Associate also contributes to data analysis, manuscripts, figures, grant preparation, and dissemination of findings. The role includes organizing and supervising routine laboratory operations, ordering supplies, maintaining organisms and equipment, managing inventory, overseeing regulatory compliance, and assisting with and training graduate and undergraduate students. The position requires travel between field sites and University of Miami campuses, the ability to lift 50 pounds, and some weekend and holiday work for zebrafish husbandry. Applicants should submit a CV, writing sample, statement of interest, and names and contact information for three professional references. Direct inquiries to Dr. Delia Shelton at [email protected]. The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
At least 2 years of relevant experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting, documenting, and communicating findings.
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 effective collaboration capabilities.
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 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.
Availability for some weekend and holiday work for zebrafish husbandry.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency or interest in developing proficiency in airborne, dietary, and waterborne exposures; behavioral assay development and execution; DNA/RNA extraction; PCR and RT-qPCR; agarose gel electrophoresis; and Nanodrop, Tapestation, and Qubit quantification.
Experience with zebrafish husbandry, histopathological analysis, and advanced imaging.
Experience with LA-ICP-MS, ICP-MS, or synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging.
Experience with aquatic life support and exposure systems, including plumbing, electrical work, and operation.
Experience with optomotor assays, sperm motility assays, cryopreservation, gonad and fecundity assays, kidney function assays, organ dissections, bisulphite sequencing, epigenetic studies, zebrafish screening, microscopic analysis, TUNEL staining, oxidative stress assays, and microinjections.

Responsibilities

Perform specialized and complex experiments and contribute to basic and applied research activities.
Lead toxicology projects examining the effects of fire-related contaminants on zebrafish behavior, neurophysiology, and genetics.
Carry out elemental analysis for tissue and whole-body burden assessments.
Develop and optimize high-throughput behavioral and neural-behavioral screens and exposure assays.
Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and analyze experiments under the direction of the faculty lab Principal Investigator; maintain detailed laboratory notebooks.
Collect, prepare, analyze, dissect, and evaluate specimens and tissue cultures; perform laboratory assays and molecular analyses.
Participate in the publication of significant research results; prepare manuscript-quality figures and assist with manuscript writing.
Assist with gathering and analyzing data, preparing research results for publication, and preparing grants and extramural proposals.
Coordinate meetings and disseminate findings with Firefighter Cancer Initiative members; collaborate with the Principal Investigator, students, and colleagues.
Maintain an overview of relevant research findings and ensure research follows good research practice and guidance.
Organize and supervise routine laboratory operations, including ordering supplies and reagents, cleaning glassware, maintaining research organisms and equipment, managing inventory, and overseeing regulatory compliance.
Provide laboratory assistance and training to graduate and undergraduate students.
Advance expertise through education, training, and research.
Adhere to University and unit policies and procedures and safeguard University assets.
Travel between field sites and University of Miami campuses.