ECHO Lab Sr. Research Associate ; Clinical Research in Coral Gables

Lab Sr. Research Associate 2 (Clinical Research)

The School of Nursing has a great opportunity for a Lab Sr. Research Associate 2 (Clinical Research) to work in Miami, Florida. The Senior Research Associate 2, GAB 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.

The Senior Research Associate II supports ECHO biospecimen processing and performs laboratory experiments across multiple research projects within the lab. This role requires demonstrated technical proficiency in molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, the ability to execute experimental protocols independently, and the capacity to maintain sample integrity across both standardized and research-driven workflows.

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.

Core Responsibilities:

• Perform all ECHO biospecimen processing activities, including aliquoting, labeling, storage, and shipment preparation.
• Maintain sample integrity, chain of custody, and accurate tracking for all specimens.
• Conduct laboratory experiments across multiple research projects using established protocols.
• Perform sample preparation and processing for downstream molecular and biochemical assays.
• Execute and document experimental procedures with accuracy and consistency.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment used in experimental workflows.
• Maintain compliance with laboratory safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Support inventory management across both ECHO and non-ECHO lab activities.

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.
• Required Technical
  
  Competencies:
  
  Candidates must demonstrate hands-on experience with multiple of the following:
• Tissue culture and basic cell culture techniques
• Microscopy (e.g., fluorescence, brightfield imaging)
• ELISA and plate-based assays
• RT-qPCR and nucleic acid quantification
• DNA and RNA isolation and purification
• Protein-based assays (e.g., Western blotting)
• Multiplex assay platforms
• Sample preparation for mass spectrometry (MS/MS)
• General molecular biology and biochemical laboratory techniques

Scope of Role:

• Supports both standardized ECHO workflows and complex experimental lab work.
• Requires independent execution of laboratory techniques and protocols.
• Functions across multiple research efforts, requiring adaptability and technical breadth.
• Involves higher responsibility for data quality and experimental integrity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on laboratory experience in a research setting.
• Demonstrated experience performing molecular and/or cellular laboratory techniques.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple technical workflows.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance processes, including IRB submissions and HIPAA guidelines.
• Phlebotomy certified and trained, or willingness to obtain phlebotomy certification and training.