Sr. Research Associate 2 - Full Time Ophthalmology (Miami, FL)

University of Miami; Miami, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL is seeking a Senior Research Associate 2 to support advanced ophthalmic research.

Under the PI, you will perform diagnostic microbiology and molecular biology work, develop and validate molecular tests, prepare NGS libraries, maintain records, and mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of microbiology and molecular biology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to basic and applied research by collecting and analyzing data and maintaining databases.
• Under PI direction, conducts collaborative and independent research involving diagnostic microbiology and molecular biology tools.
• Maintains accurate records of research findings and maintains a detailed lab notebook.
• Participates in weekly laboratory meetings and presentations for scientific meetings.

Skills

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Lab mentoring

Good documentation

PCR

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

PCR

NGS library prep

Diagnostic microbiology tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

The University of Miami, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, has an exciting full time opportunity for a Senior Research Associate 2 in Miami, Florida.The Senior Research Associate 2, SOM ensures that the operations of the assigned laboratory are efficient and in compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations. Moreover, this employee engages in complex and specialized research activities in furtherance of the University’s research goals and objectives. **CORE JOB FUNCTIONS*** Contributes to basic and applied research activities by collecting and analyzing data and maintaining databases.* Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures.* Participates in the publication of significant results.* Advances expertise through continued education, training, and research.* Maintains an overview of relevant research findings.* Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice.* Stays abreast of developments in the field which may impact department functions.* Provides guidance, mentorship, and oversight to junior research staff and students.* 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: Master's degree in relevant field required Experience: Minimum 1 year of relevant 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. 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. **Department Specific Requirements:*** Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, conducts collaborative and independent research that involves diagnostic microbiology and molecular biology tools including, but not limited to: + Specialized antimicrobial susceptibility testing to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration of antimicrobial agents and to confirm important resistance phenotypes. + Development and validation of molecular diagnostic tests in collaboration with research and clinical scientists. + Analytical validations of a highly multiplexed diagnostic panel for detection of clinically relevant ocular pathogens. + Use of molecular biology tools (PCR and subtyping methods) for detection of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, determination of microbial population compositions and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens. + Preparation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) libraries for bacterial genome sequencing. + Support in developing and optimizing NGS approaches for pathogen detection from clinical samples.* Completes appropriate training for each research project. Adheres to all Institute policies and procedures, attends annual training sessions, and additional training if needed.* Maintains accurate records of research findings and results in a detailed up-to-date laboratory notebook.* Maintains folder with current, up-to-date protocols.* Participates in weekly laboratory meetings and presents findings (schedule determined by Principal Investigator).* Contributes to the development and assembly of Principal Investigator abstracts, posters, and slide presentations for scientific meetings.* Completes and/or coordinates the collection, processing and storage of experimental samples, and maintains a detailed record for future use.* Maintains multiple laboratory inventories: purchasing, chemical, drug and biological materials.* Oversees maintenance of -80° freezer, -20° fridge and 4° fridge. This includes on call responsibilities in the event of after-hour freezer failures.* Performs ordering for the laboratory, completing the necessary training, and creating and managing all purchase orders.* Oversees the shipping and receiving of biohazardous material from and to the lab and stays current with all required training.* Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, will oversee the orientation and training of new/junior research assistant/summer students.* Attends seminars and symposiums as opportunities arise, when not interfering with experiments.* Performs other laboratory related functions as required or directed.