Postdoctoral Associate

About FIU

Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars and Mac Arthur Genius Fellows.

A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.

The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University stands at the forefront of integrating community-based medical education and clinical care, with a focus on training socially accountable physicians, scientists, and health professionals dedicated to community service. As an academic and clinical affiliate of Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children's Hospital, the College of Medicine offers a unique environment for innovation and growth.

The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University is currently seeking multiple full-time, non-tenure, Postdoctoral Associate positions in the laboratory of Dr. Chipuk (
Chipuk Laboratory
) within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. For detailed information on published research from the laboratory, please see the Chipuk Laboratory NCBI Bibliography.

The goals of the Chipuk Laboratory are to: (1) Provide mechanistic insights of how mitochondrial composition and shape impact on cellular metabolism and commitment to regulated cell death, (2) Explore how cancer‑promoting pathways converge on mitochondrial function to regulate malignancy and chemotherapeutic success, and (3) Reveal novel contributions of the mitochondrial network in tissue homeostasis. To achieve these goals, the laboratory developed multiple model systems, technologies, and productive collaborations to better understand the intersections between the mitochondrial network, cell biology, and disease.

We actively investigate how mitochondrial stress signaling dictates cancer mechanisms (transformation, senescence, malignancy) and chemo sensitivity. In parallel, we aim to translate these fundamental studies into potentially clinically relevant prognostics and therapies, all while exploring how lifestyle and exposures intersect with mitochondrial biology to control human health and disease.

Ideal candidates are interested in mechanistic dissection of cell death commitment, mitochondrial dynamics, organelle quality control, and/or metabolism. The projects require combinations of rigorous biochemical, biophysical, molecular, and cellular analyses of regulated cell death signaling and fundamental mitochondrial biology (mtDNA, bioenergetics, and multiple functions). Motivation to perform biophysical characterizations, high-resolution imaging, integrated '-omics' studies, and patient tissue evaluations are essential; opportunities to perform in vivo modeling are also available.

Candidates are expected to plan and carry out research tasks independently and assemble/present research findings on a regular basis. Selected candidates will be responsible for analyzing scientific data, writing manuscripts for publication, and assisting with grant proposals to national and state funding agencies and foundations. Duties will also include Service to the…