Research Associate 3- Petrucelli Lab

University of Miami•Miami, FL

About The Position

The Research Associate 3, SOM assumes responsibility for the design and performance of research focused on the development of novel experimental therapies for human malignancies. The incumbent contributes to collaborations with scientists within the University of Miami or elsewhere. Moreover, this individual works as part of a team and assists with the maintenance of laboratory equipment, protocols, and supplies. The Research Associate 3 supports the mission of a neuroscience research team focused on molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, biomarker discovery, and biosensor technology. The role involves advanced laboratory techniques, assay development, and operational support to ensure high quality, reproducible research across a multidisciplinary laboratory environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience 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.
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 independently and/or in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

Maintains daily operations and performs procedures related to new and on-going research projects.
Assists with ordering, purchasing, and maintenance of all required reagents and supplies for laboratory activities, and monitors and maintains inventory of supplies and stocks.
Assists with the maintenance of institutional biosafety and animal care protocols, laboratory safety records, and standard operating procedures.
Performs and assists other research staff with standard laboratory techniques.
Develops, adapts, and implements new laboratory procedures.
Records, organizes, and writes up experimental results for submission of manuscripts and for scientific presentations.
Keeps abreast of latest literature in the field and searches for references to technical problems.
Maintains current knowledge of the methods and techniques related to the specific field of research.
Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
Perform complex molecular biology procedures, including cloning, CRISPRbased assays, and nucleic acid/protein construct generation, to support experimental studies relevant to neurodegenerative disease pathways.
Conduct recombinant protein expression in bacterial, yeast, or mammalian systems and perform chromatographic purification workflows (e.g., FPLC, HPLC) to generate high quality proteins for biochemical and biophysical assays.
Execute fluorescence based, electrochemical, and lateral flow detection assays for evaluating biomarker signatures and biosensor performance.
Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot new laboratory protocols that align with evolving research directions within the neuroscience team.
Collect, analyze, and document experimental data; prepare figures and datasets for manuscripts, scientific presentations, and internal research reviews.
Use computational tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R, Prism) to perform quantitative analysis, model assay performance, and support data interpretation and quality control.
Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records and ensure traceability for all research activities.
Oversee inventory management, reagent procurement, and maintenance of specialized research equipment, supporting efficient daily operations.
Ensure compliance with biosafety, chemical safety, and research protocol requirements; maintain updated records for laboratory safety and standard operating procedures.
Assist with onboarding and training of junior personnel in core laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and research quality standards.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers working in areas such as biosensing, protein aggregation biology, molecular engineering, and cellular models relevant to neuroscience.
Contribute to the preparation of research reports, grant related materials, and progress updates supporting team based scientific initiatives.
Apply knowledge of model organisms (e.g., E. coli, yeast, HEK cells, Drosophila, C. elegans) to support assay development and exploratory experiments across laboratory projects.