Postdoctoral Associate - Biochemistry

umiami; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Miami is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to perform scientific research under supervision of managing staff, contributing to nanoparticle design targeting prostate cancer models and preparing reports for publication.

The role requires a PhD or MD, no prior experience required, and involves in vitro work with patient-derived samples, in vivo animal studies, and collaboration across chemistry, biology, neurosurgery, and engineering teams; competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD degree required and dissertation completed by start date.
• Strong experimental skills with nanoparticle synthesis and surface functionalization.
• Proficiency with data analysis software and statistics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and critical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize nanoparticles targeted to cancer models by functionalization.
• Work in vitro with patient-derived prostate cancer biopsies and cell cultures.
• Perform cytotoxicity assays, uptake studies and molecular biology techniques.
• Conduct in vivo testing using animal models and assess biodistribution.
• Interpret data with advanced methods such as flow cytometry, imaging, and bioinformatics.
• Collaborate with chemistry, biology, neurosurgery, and engineering teams.
• Prepare manuscripts for journals and conferences; mentor students.

Skills

Learning Agility

Teamwork

Technical Proficiency

Communication

Education

PhD or MD degree

Job description

Current Employees:

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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 publishing.
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 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 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.
• 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 degree

PhD 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 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