Assistant Scientist

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The department of Public Health has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Assistant Scientist to work onsite on the UHealth campus. The Assistant Scientist, SOM carries out a particular research agenda in support of the University’s research goals and objectives. Moreover, the Assistant Scientist, SOM contributes to the scientific community by publishing research findings and promotes the University’s reputation as a leader in the field.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Contributes to basic and applied research activities and authors scientific publications, technical and agency reports, and patent preparations.

• Collaborates with senior staff to publish findings in refereed journals.

• Creates and conducts experiments and analyzes results.

• Works with other researchers to use and develop end products.

• Writes extramural proposals with approval from appropriate senior staff.

• Provides ready access to all experimental data for managing staff.

• Requests or acquires equipment and supplies for assigned project(s).

• Uses the internet, surveys, legal documents, and other available sources to collect information.

• Applies for grants to continue research and prepares materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations.

• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Department Specific Functions

• Research and Analysis: Conduct advanced research in exposure science related to firefighter occupational hazards. Develop and apply analytical methods to assess chemical exposures in various environmental/occupational and biological matrices.

• Data Collection and Interpretation: Design and implement field studies to collect exposure data from firefighter populations. Analyze and interpret complex datasets using state-of-the-art statistical and computational techniques.

• Method Development: Innovate and optimize analytical methods for detecting and quantifying exposure biomarkers. Ensure methodological rigor and accuracy in all laboratory procedures.

• GC/MS Expertise: Utilize gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for the identification and quantification of chemical compounds. Maintain and troubleshoot GC/MS equipment to ensure high-quality data production

• Supervision and Training: Supervise and train undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory procedures, including the operation and maintenance of analytical equipment such as GC-MS. Ensure adherence to safety protocols and methodological standards. Collaboration and Leadership: Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including epidemiologists, toxicologists, and public health experts. Provide mentorship and guidance to junior researchers and students.

• Lab Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance and functionality of laboratory equipment, including freezers, GC-MS, and other specialized instruments. Ensure routine calibrations, troubleshooting, and repairs are conducted as needed to maintain optimal performance.

• Laboratory Management: Assist with maintaining inventory of laboratory supplies, managing budgets for consumables, and coordinating with vendors for the procurement of lab materials.

• Quality Assurance and Control (QA/QC): Develop and implement QA/QC procedures to ensure data integrity and reliability in research outcomes. Conduct regular audits of laboratory protocols and processes.

• Sample Collection and Fieldwork: Travel within the state of Florida, nationally and internationally to collect environmental and biological samples for research projects conducted under the Firefighter Cancer Initiative. Ensure proper handling, storage, and transportation of samples according to research protocols.

• Data Sharing and Archiving: Manage the proper storage and sharing of laboratory research data, ensuring compliance with data-sharing policies and facilitating future analyses or collaborations.

• Publication and Dissemination: Prepare high-quality manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Present research findings at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings.

• Grant Writing: Contribute to the development of grant proposals to secure funding for ongoing and future firefighter cancer research projects.

• Administrative Duties: Assist with administrative tasks such as scheduling, compliance documentation, and coordination of lab activities.

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.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D., M.D. or other doctoral level degree relevant field

• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience required

• Demonstrated experience in exposure science and/or analytic chemistry, with a strong track record of relevant research and publications preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.

• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

• Proficiency in advanced analytical techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry, chromatography), data analysis software (e.g., R, SAS, Python), and laboratory protocols.

• In-depth understanding of occupational exposure assessment, biomonitoring, environmental chemistry, and related fields.

• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Commitment to scientific excellence, ethical research practices, and collaborative teamwork.

• Passion for improving firefighter health and safety.

DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM

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

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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