Postdoctoral Associate; Neurology

Postdoctoral Associate – Overview

The Postdoctoral Associate performs scientific research under the supervision of managing staff and promotes institutional recognition through contributions to the scientific community.

• Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned.
• Prepares research reports and technical papers for publishing.
• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories.
• Maintains substantial knowledge of state‑of‑the‑art principles and theories.
• Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
• Adheres to University and unit‑level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

• Education: MD or Ph.D. in relevant field
• Certification and Licensing: Refer to department description for applicable certification requirements
• Experience: No previous experience required
• 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.

Our lab within the Department of Neurology, University of Miami is seeking a passionate and driven Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our efforts in developing image‑guided, cell‑based, and cell‑free therapies for brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. This project will involve close collaboration with Johns Hopkins Department of Radiology and University of Maryland.

Our research integrates stem cell and extracellular vesicle (EV) biology, biomaterials engineering, and advanced molecular imaging (MRI/MPI) to optimize the delivery, biodistribution, and therapeutic outcomes of neurorestorative interventions for hemorrhagic injury using rodent models. The project will involve cell/EV engineering and preclinical quantitative in vivo imaging approaches to track the fate and function of therapeutic stem cell products in real time.

• Conduct independent and collaborative research aligned with departmental goals.
• Mentor graduate, undergraduate, and visiting students in research and writing.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and progress reports.
• Present research at departmental seminars, journal clubs, and conferences.
• Assist with training in specialized techniques, instrumentation, or analysis.
• Support laboratory management (protocols, compliance, shared resources) in compliance with departmental regulations.
• Participate in departmental committees, outreach, or academic events.
• Foster interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaborations.

• Education: Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Engineering or Neuroscience preferred
• Certification and Licensing: N/A
• Experience: 4+ years of collective research experience in animal studies (rodent handling), brain tissue processing, histology, confocal imaging preferred
• Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:
  • Strong background in Cell or EV biology, neuroinflammation, rodent models of stroke or related models (preferred), injury, and intracerebral surgeries, IV injections and/or biomaterial‑assisted cell delivery.
  • Experience in handling rodent surgeries and procedures.
  • Strong scientific communication and publication skills.
  • Experience in Cell culture and EV processing is highly desirable.
  • Nanomaterial characterization and preparation for cell/EV labeling.
  • Experience with Confocal microscopy.
  • Tissue processing (perfusion, tissue extraction/cryosectioning) and antibody staining.
  • Experience with MRI, Bioluminescence imaging, or other preclinical imaging modalities (preferred but not required).
  • Willingness to travel to collaborator sites on project work.

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.

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

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