Assistant Scientist

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The University of Miami/UHealth Department of Otolaryngology has an exciting opportunity for a full time Assistant Scientist to work on-site in Miami, FL. The Research Scientist supports assigned research activities within a multidisciplinary translational research laboratory. The appointee performs advanced laboratory experiments, contributes to data analysis and dissemination, and helps promote efficient laboratory workflow and research operations. The scientist is expected to uphold a culture of excellence, integrity, collaboration, and adaptability while demonstrating resilience, initiative, innovation, and resourcefulness in supporting the laboratory's scientific and operational needs.

The position further enhances the University's research goals and strengthens the collaborative, organized functioning of the laboratory environment.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs human tissue processing, preservation, and documentation according to established SOPs.
• Executes advanced cell culture techniques, including 2D, 3D, co-culture, and primary cell-based systems.
• Conducts molecular biology workflows including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and protein analysis.
• Performs immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and quantitative imaging analysis.
• Executes multicolor flow cytometry experiments and contributes to preliminary data interpretation.
• Conducts metabolic assays such as Seahorse metabolic flux analysis and metabolite-based cell assays.
• Performs in vitro functional assays (migration, invasion, proliferation, viability).
• Executes in vivo procedures including tumor implantation, monitoring, tissue harvesting, and sample processing in compliance with IACUC standards.
• Maintains accurate, organized, and reproducible experimental records.
• Assists in preparing figures, presentations, and scientific summaries for meetings or publications.
• Assists with general laboratory organization to ensure efficient day-to-day operations.
• Supports inventory tracking, reagent preparation, and ordering workflows as needed.
• Helps maintain equipment logs and coordinates routine maintenance or calibration under established procedures.
• Contributes to maintaining compliance documentation for biosafety, IRB, and IACUC protocols.
• Assists in implementing and updating laboratory SOPs and documentation practices.
• Helps train students or junior personnel in routine laboratory procedures, safety practices, and documentation standards.
• Contributes to maintaining tissue bank workflows and specimen documentation.

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.

Department Specific Qualifications

Education:

PhD in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, neuroscience, cancer biology, immunology, or related field

Certification and Licensing:

None required; animal handling certifications preferred or must be obtained after hire

Experience:

• Exposure to molecular and cellular biology techniques through doctoral research.
• Familiarity with human tissue handling or translational research workflows is preferred but not required.
• Experience or coursework involving in vivo models is a plus.
• Prior involvement in laboratory operations, documentation, or SOP adherence is beneficial but can be developed in the role.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

Knowledge:

• Proficiency in executing complex wet-lab experimental procedures.
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot experimental challenges.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple concurrent research workflows and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools used in molecular and cellular biology.
• Ability to contribute to laboratory continuity and support operational needs during staffing transitions.

Skills:

• Demonstrates openness to receiving and integrating constructive feedback.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels, including students, staff, and faculty.
• Able to perform effectively in a fast-paced research environment while working collaboratively with individuals at all levels and maintaining professionalism under pressure.
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and follow through on responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates adaptability when faced with changing priorities, new techniques, or evolving research directions.
• Shows resilience and the ability to manage challenges while maintaining high scientific standards.

Attitudes:

• Commitment to excellence, producing high-quality, reproducible scientific work.
• Upholds integrity in data handling, documentation, and research practices.
• Promotes collaboration…