Research Associate II

University of Miami; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, in collaboration with CIMAS, seeks a full‑time Research Associate II to advance molecular assays for fisheries and biodiversity monitoring. The position is based at NOAA's AOML in Miami, FL, and emphasizes hands-on lab work in a collaborative environment.

Applicants should have at least two years of molecular biology lab experience and familiarity with qPCR.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required.
• Minimum two years of molecular biology lab experience.
• Experience with developing quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize new qPCR assays.
• Extract DNA from environmental samples.
• Perform PCR and qPCR on environmental DNA samples.
• Prepare and submit DNA samples for sequencing.
• Operate sensitive laboratory equipment and maintain notebooks.
• Follow lab safety and regulatory procedures; assist training.

Skills

Molecular biology

qPCR assays

DNA extraction

Lab safety procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Job description

SUMMARY

The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science (Rosenstiel) and Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) is seeking a full time Research Associate II to support the development of molecular assays to enhance fisheries and biodiversity monitoring efforts.

The Research Associate II will be stationed at NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) in Miami, FL within the Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division (OCED). The role primarily focuses on molecular biology laboratory work, with opportunities also available for bioinformatics computational tasks. A minimum of two years molecular biology experience in a lab research associate role or graduate studies is required. Experience with molecular biology laboratory techniques and developing quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays is expected, but ample learning opportunities for growth and development will be provided. The successful applicant will work in a highly collaborative environment with NOAA and Cooperative Institute (CI) scientists, assisting in the transition of advanced 'omics technologies from the lab to large-scale fisheries and ecological surveys.

This role involves the following:

• Develop and optimize new qPCR assays.


• Extract DNA from environmental samples.


• Perform PCR and qPCR on environmental DNA samples.


• Prepare and submit DNA samples for sequencing.


• Operate sensitive and complex laboratory equipment.


• Maintain a proper lab notebook and be responsible for following proper lab safety and regulatory procedures.


• Assist in training personnel on optimized protocols and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

May occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. 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: Minimum must have a Bachelor’s Degree in biology, molecular biology, marine science, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum two years of relevant experience working in a molecular laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes: Ability to develop, adapt, and implement new laboratory procedures. Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems. Strong organizational skills in record keeping of molecular lab protocols and processes. Ability to contribute to a collaborative team environment

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation's premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida. With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

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

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.