Research Associate - Petrucelli Lab

Overview

The University of Miami/UHealth Office of the Dean has an exciting opportunity for a Full Time Research Associate 1 to work at the UHealth campus in Miami, FL.

The Research Associate 1, SOM supports research activities for the assigned division by conducting laboratory experiments on assigned research projects. The incumbent operates with the goal of advancing his/her expertise through continued education, training, and research.

• Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures.
• Participates in the publication of significant results.
• Maintains an overview of relevant research findings.
• Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice.
• Keeps abreast of current publications relative to methods, techniques, and developments within the area of research.
• Collects, prepares, analyzes, dissects, and evaluates specimens or tissue cultures.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Performs a variety of routine assays, tests, and studies.
• Performs calculations to complete research test results, collects data, and performs statistical analysis of laboratory results.
• 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.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required

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.

The Research Associate 1 will support a neuroscience research team by assisting in laboratory experiments, data collection, and operational tasks essential for advancing ongoing research projects. This role is designed for early‑career scientists who are building foundational skills in molecular, cellular, and systems‑level neuroscience research.

• Assist in carrying out routine laboratory assays and protocols, including preparation of samples, execution of basic molecular biology workflows, and performance of standard biochemical or imaging‑based techniques.
• Support cell‑based or experimental systems by preparing reagents, maintaining clean work spaces, and adhering to laboratory safety guidelines.
• Conduct introductory research‑oriented tasks such as preliminary data collection, basic statistical analysis, and routine equipment operation.
• Participate in experimental setups involving behavioral, cognitive, or neurobiological paradigms under supervision, contributing to data acquisition and documentation.

• Record experimental observations thoroughly, maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, and assist in compiling data for internal meetings or collaborative reporting.
• Review literature relevant to the team’s scientific areas to become familiar with methods, emerging findings, and research best practices.
• Support the preparation of figures or basic summaries for research presentations or lab discussions.

• Contribute to daily laboratory maintenance, including equipment care, supply restocking, and monitoring of shared resources.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures, research protocols, and compliance requirements associated with laboratory work.
• Collaborate with more senior lab members by supporting coordinated experiments, volunteering for hands‑on assistance, and participating in training sessions.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn new technical skills and progressively grow into more complex responsibilities through guided training and mentorship.