Postdoctoral Associate - Biochemistry

University of Miami; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to advance research on nanoparticle formulations for prostate cancer, combining in vitro and in vivo approaches in a collaborative environment. Qualified candidates hold a PhD or MD with a Cancer Biology or Drug Delivery focus, and bring strong experimental skills in nanoparticle synthesis, functionalization, and data analysis.

You will work with chemists, biologists, neurosurgeons and engineers, contributing to manuscripts and grant

Qualifications

• PhD/MD required; dissertation completed by start date.
• No prior experience required.
• Strong experimental skills with nanoparticle synthesis, surface functionalization, and chelation chemistry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize nanoparticles targeted to prostate cancer models by functionalization.
• Work in vitro using patient-derived prostate cancer biopsies, cell culture assays including cytotoxicity and uptake studies.
• Perform in vivo testing using animal models.
• Evaluate biodistribution and efficacy/safety of nanoparticle formulations.
• Interpret data with flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, MRI/PET imaging and bioinformatics tools.
• Collaborate with chemistry, biology, neurosurgery, and engineering teams.
• Write up manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, grants, and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Train graduate and undergraduate students to work in the lab.
• Adhere to all university and agency policies regarding animal welfare, safety, security and compliance.

Skills

Nanoparticle synthesis

Surface functionalization

Chelation chemistry

Data analysis software

Communication skills

Education

PhD/MD degree

Cancer biology or drug delivery emphasis

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

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education:Doctorate degree in relevant field requiredExperience:No previous experience requiredCertification and Licensing:Refer to department description for applicable certification requirementsKnowledge, 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 Specific Functions

• Design and synthesize nanoparticles targeted to prostate cancer models by functionalization.
• Work in vitro using patient-derived prostate cancer biopsies, cell culture experiments including cytotoxicity assays, uptake studies, and molecular biology techniques.
• Work in vivo testing using animal models
• Perform experiments to evaluate the biodistribution and efficacy/safety of nanoparticle formulations.
• Interpret data with advanced methods such as flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, MRI/PET imaging and bioinformatics tools.
• Work with team members across different disciplines such as chemistry, biology, neurosurgery, and engineering.
• Write up manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, grants, and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Train graduate and undergraduate students to work in the lab.
• Adhere to all university and agency policies regarding animal welfare, safety, security and compliance.

Department Specific Qualifications

Education:PhD or MD degreePhD in Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science or related field with emphasis in Cancer Biology or Drug Delivery systems.Applicants must have completed their dissertation by the beginning date.Experience:No prior experienceKnowledge, 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 timeEmployee Type:Staff