Postdoctoral Associate

University of Miami; Gautier (MS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to perform scientific research under supervision and contribute to the advancement of nano-scale materials and analytical techniques.

PhD required; no prior postdoctoral experience needed. The role emphasizes collaboration with chemists and materials scientists, manuscript preparation, and ongoing publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or closely related field.
• No prior experience required for this postdoctoral position.
• Strong experimental skills and ability to design and interpret experiments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develops research plans and conducts experiments under supervision.
• Prepares research reports and manuscripts for publication.
• Investigates feasibility of applying scientific principles to problems.
• Maintains knowledge of state-of-the-art theories and methods.
• Collaborates with team members and supports strategic decisions.
• Maintains safe laboratory practices and adherence to protocols.

Skills

Learning agility

Teamwork

Technical proficiency

Communication

Education

PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or closely related field

Tools

ICP-MS

LC-MS

NMR

Microscopy

Electrochemistry

Job description

CORE JOB SUMMARY

The Postdoctoral Associate performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of managing staff. Moreover, the Postdoctoral Associate promotes institutional recognition through literal contributions to the scientific community.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned.
2. Prepares research reports and technical papers for publication.
3. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories.
4. Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
5. Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
6. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Doctorate degree in a relevant field required

Experience: No previous experience required

Certification and Licensing: Refer to department description for applicable certification requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.

DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM

Department Specific Functions

1. Design, synthesize, and characterize metal-chelating nanoparticles and integrate them into nano wipe substrates
2. Conduct experimental studies to evaluate the efficacy of nano wipes in binding and removing heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, chromium) from simulated and real-world exposure scenarios.
3. Perform advanced analytical techniques, including ICP-MS, LC-MS, NMR, microscopy, electrochemistry, and other tools for nanoparticle surface characterization to assess nanoparticle stability, chelation efficiency, and detoxification performance.
4. Perform cell culture-based studies and other complementary techniques such as animal handling.
5. Analyze data, interpret results, and develop models to optimize nano wipe formulations for enhanced selectivity and biocompatibility.
6. Collaborate with team members, including chemists, materials scientists, and toxicologists
7. Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals, present findings at conferences, and contribute to grant reporting and future proposal development.
8. Maintain a safe and organized laboratory environment, adhering to all relevant protocols and ethical standards.

Department Specific Qualifications

Education: PhD or MD degree PhD in chemistry, materials science Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience: No prior experience

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Strong experimental skills with hands-on experience in nanoparticle synthesis, surface functionalization, and chelation chemistry.
• Proven analytical abilities, including proficiency in data analysis software and statistical methods.
• Excellent comprehension and problem-solving skills, with the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and adapt methodologies to project needs.
• High level of motivation, independence, and initiative, with a track record of driving projects forward in a fast-paced research setting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for disseminating research findings

This is a core job profile description and is not reflective of all duties that may be assigned to a specific position in each individual department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and primary responsibilities of this core job profile. Specific duties and tasks may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine.

As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care.

We're the challenge you've been looking for.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

Job Status: Full time Employee Type: Staff

The mission of the University of Miami is to transform lives through education, research, innovation, and service. A vibrant and diverse academic and healthcare community, the University of Miami and the University of Miami Health System ("UHealth") have rapidly progressed to become one of the nation’s top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation.

The University comprises 12 schools and colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students in more than 350 majors and programs. Visit welcome.miami.edu/about-um to learn more about our points of pride.

The University ranks No. 55 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges list and ranked No. 49 in the 2022 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings.

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is ranked the #1 eye hospital in the USA and offers some of the nation's premiere eye doctors to treat every eye condition for adults.

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer, part of the Miller School of Medicine, received the prestigious National Cancer Institute designation in 2019.

The University of Miami and UHealth have also ranked among the Forbes Best Employers and Best Employers for Women on several occasions, most recently in 2022. With more than 17,000 faculty and staff, the University strives for excellence, and is driven by a powerful mission to transform and impact the lives of its students, patients, members of the community, and people across the globe.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.