Postdoctoral Associate (Cancer Biology)

umiami; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami Health System invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in the Rai Lab at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The role focuses on redox biology, cancer metabolism, and translational oncology with an emphasis on tumor progression and therapeutic resistance.

Qualifications include a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology or related field and strong first-author publications; experience in mammalian systems, CRISPR, and data analysis is preferred.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology or related field.
• Two+ years of cancer biology research experience with first-author publications.
• Strong mechanistic and oncology background.

Responsibilities

• Investigate redox signaling and cancer metabolism.
• Contribute to translational oncology studies bridging lab findings to potential therapies.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to advance lab goals.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

qPCR

Immunoblotting

Immunoprecipitation

Immunofluorescence

ELISA

Flow cytometry

CRISPR

shRNA

R or Python

Data analysis

English communication

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Cancer Biology or related field

Tools

CRISPR technology

shRNA tools

Job description

Postdoctoral Associate – Cancer Biology (Redox Biology & Metabolism)

The UHealth System at the University of Miami invites applications for a highly motivated and goal-oriented Postdoctoral Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Priyamvada Rai, professor and Tumor Biology program co-leader, at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Rai lab investigates redox biology, cancer metabolism, and stress-adaptive pathways that drive tumor progression and therapeutic resistance, with a strong emphasis on translational oncology.
We are seeking candidates with a strong track record in cancer research, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills, who are eager to work on innovative, hypothesis-driven projects and contribute to high-impact discoveries.
Prior experience with hands-on cancer biology research and demonstration of expertise through reputable first-author publications are requirements for this position. Applicants with a research background in prostate, lung or pancreatic cancers are preferred. Applications must include a short statement describing how the applicant interests and career goals specifically aligns with the research priorities of the Rai lab. Applications with generic interest statements and/or lack of demonstrable relevance to lab priorities will be excluded at the initial screening.
US citizens and permanent residents will be strongly prioritized for this position.

SUMMARY

Projects in the lab span:

• Redox signaling in tumor progression and novel mechanisms of therapy resistance
• Metabolic crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment
• Translational studies bridging mechanistic insights to therapeutic strategies, with active clinical bench-to-bedside and bedside-to-bench collaborations.

This position provides:

• Access to a highly collaborative, NCI-designated cancer center with state-of-the-art core facilities
• Opportunities for high-impact publications and career development
• Mentorship tailored to career goals and individual strengths

The successful candidate fulfills the following requirements:

• A scientifically curious and critical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (demonstrated by first-author publications, funded grants/fellowships and/or conference presentations).
• Highly organized, with attention to detail.
• Has strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the capacity to provide intellectual drive to make progress on the lab’s scientific goals.
• Prepares data in accordance with best practices and lab expectations for submission to journals, granting agencies and foundations.
• Follows the principles of experimental rigor and reproducibility.
• Motivated to pursue an academic career in cancer research.
• Collaborates effectively, has a collegial mindset and is able to work well within a team.
• Thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.
• Can develop and expand basic and applied cancer research activities in the lab in accordance with lab goals.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Pharmacology or a related field

Experience:

• Minimum two years of experience in cancer biology research.
• Demonstrated productivity through first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong background in mechanistically-driven research and a deep understanding of oncology field.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Must be proficient in basic molecular and cell biology techniques including but not limited to mammalian cell culture, qPCR, immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation assays, immunofluorescence, ELISA, flow cytometry.
• Must have experience working with vertebrate animal models.
• Experience with CRISPR and shRNA technology preferred.
• Experience with R or Python and ability to analyze large datasets is a plus.
• Must be able to multitask and work well with others.
• Must have excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Must have strong organizing and analytical skills.
• Must be able to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
• Ability to work efficiently and cooperatively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Must be willing to work on weekends and outside of traditional hours as needed .

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