Sr. Research Associate

Senior Research Associate 2, SOM

The Senior Research Associate 2, SOM ensures that the operations of the Abdulreda 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 Diabetes Research Institute's research goals and objectives.

Core job functions include:

• Supporting general research activities at the DRI under the direct supervision of Dr. Midhat Abdulreda.
• Maintaining an overview of relevant research findings and ongoing research projects in the Abdulreda lab.
• Maintaining/assisting with mouse colonies and genotyping.
• Performing imaging of pancreatic islets in vivo and in vitro including Ca2+ imaging.
• Performing intraocular islet transplantation.
• Performing metabolic tests (e.g., IPGTT, ITT) on mice.
• Administering treatments to animals including immunosuppression.
• Collecting and analyzing data as requested.
• Preparing reports of research results for lab and/or public presentation.
• Writing scientific manuscripts and participating in their preparation for publication.
• Participating in research presentation through seminars and at scientific conferences.
• Maintaining appropriate databases. Ensuring accurate written and computerized records.
• Ensuring all research is undertaken according to good research practice and guidance and in compliance with institutional requirements.
• Participating in required institutional and research animal training.
• Maintaining accurate records and inventories of research reagents available in the lab, ordering supplies as needed.
• Assisting in routine cleaning and maintenance of lab equipment and spaces.
• Performing immunological assays such as mixed leukocyte reactions (MLR), Flow Cytometry, and Flow Cytometry Assisted Cell Sorting (FACS).
• Performing the trans-vivo DTH assay and related procedures to evaluate immune tolerance in pancreatic islet transplant recipients.
• Performing immune cytokine measurements and analysis in aqueous humor and other biological samples using the Bio-Plex/Luminex instruments and software.
• Performing and assisting in analyzing metabolites, proteins, and gene transcripts using the appropriate omics analysis software.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Department preferred qualifications include:

• Able to convey information effectively verbally and in writing.
• Able to write/assist in writing scientific manuscripts.
• Able to learn new techniques (e.g., imaging, islet transplantation, islet perifusion, etc.).
• Able to assist in setting up new lab equipment/instruments and receiving relevant training.
• Able to train and assist Dr. Abdulreda in mentoring research trainees.
• Able to maintain commitment to the research endeavors in the Abdulreda lab at the DRI.
• Previous experience in aseptic cell culture techniques required.
• Previous experience in molecular biology required.
• Previous experience in mouse handling and colony management required.
• Previous experience in cellular isolation/purification from peripheral blood and immunostaining for flow cytometry required.
• Previous experience in immunology tools/assays highly preferred.
• Previous experience in histological techniques (e.g., immunofluorescence staining) and tissue preparation required.
• Knowledge in computer use and of basic software (e.g., Microsoft Office) required.
• Knowledge in analytical and statistical software (e.g., Graph Pad Prism, Microsoft Excel, etc.) required.
• Knowledge in Bio-Plex/Luminex software highly preferred.
• Knowledge in image analysis software (e.g., Volocity, ImageJ, etc.) highly preferred.
• Knowledge in spatial omics analysis and associated software (e.g., Loop Browser, SURAT, etc.) highly preferred.
• Knowledge in omics analysis software (e.g., Metabo Analysis, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis [IPA]) highly preferred.
• Previous experience in DNA purification/extraction, amplification, gel electrophoresis, and viral transfection highly preferred.

This is a core job profile description and is not reflective of all duties that may be assigned to a specific position in each individual department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and primary responsibilities of this core job profile. Specific duties and tasks may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.

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