Assistant Scientist

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The University of Miami/UHealth Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has an exciting opportunity for a Full Time Assistant Scientist in Biomedical Science (cancer research) to work onsite at the UHealth campus in Miami, Fl.

The Laboratories of Dr. Anna Lasorella and Dr. Antonio Iavarone in the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami are seeking two postdoctoral associates to join our research program in experimental Neuro-Oncology in the role of Assistant Scientist. Our studies focus on the molecular genetics and biology of brain tumors with an emphasis on the characterization and therapeutic targeting of driver mutations involved in the pathogenesis and progression of malignant brain tumors. We use a diverse combination of experimental approaches, including next-generation DNA/RNA sequencing, single cell RNA and ATAC sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. We model malignant glioma using glioma patient derived organoids and xenografts, and engineered mouse brain tumor models to understand tumor biology and design rational therapeutic strategies for patients with brain tumors. The labs are also a dynamic environment in which bench work and computational/systems biology intersect to facilitate biological research and identify new avenues through which to understand the complexity of brain cancer.

The ideal candidate will have research experience in wet lab experimental projects, including protein biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and mouse models of disease. Candidates should have a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in respected journals. At least one year of previous experience in cancer biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and cancer genomics. We also encourage candidates who are trained in other research fields, such as developmental biology, immunology, and neuroscience, to apply these positions if they feel their skill sets are translatable to the goals described above. Strong mentoring support is available from Dr. Lasorella and Dr. Iavarone to write and win competitive postdoctoral grants. 

Requirements:
Medical degree or Doctoral degree and life science research experience. Technical aptitude for learning and executing complex experimental techniques for molecular biology, cell-based assays, single cell assays, and rodent procedures. Impeccable experimental documentation and organized record-keeping skills. Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment in a fast-paced lab, under significant pressure and with tight deadlines. 

Responsibilities:
Independently perform bench work involving protein biochemistry, DNA/RNA sequencing, single cell RNA and ATAC sequencing and spatial transcriptomics and mammalian cell culture/cell-based assays of tumor cell growth and response to therapeutic agents. Conduct mouse surgeries and subsequent animal health monitoring for intracranial tumors models. Evaluate and interpret collected data and prepare reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions. Review scientific literature to follow new developments and to obtain information regarding previous experiments to aid in the design and development of original procedures and techniques. Independently write and submit (with appropriate mentorship) postdoctoral fellowship grants. Communicate scientific results to colleagues, mentors, and the broader scientific community.

Work from Dr. Iavarone and Dr. Lasorella labs includes:

Lee SB et al. An ID2-dependent-mechanism for VHL inactivation in cancer. Nature, 529:172-177, 2016; [see also RESEARCH WATCH “Hypoxia promotes cancer stem cells via ID2-dependent VHL inactivation” Cancer Discovery (6: 120, 2016). RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS “Pathway to stemness” Nature Reviews Cancer (16: 70, 2016)].

Frattini Vet al. A metabolic function of FGFR3-TACC3 gene fusions in cancer. Nature, 553: 222–227, 2018. [see also RESEARCH WATCH “FGFR3–TACC3 Activates Mitochondrial Respiration via PIN4 Phosphorylation” Cancer Discovery Published Online First January 12, 2018 doi: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-RW2018-008; RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS “Fusion Power” Nature Reviews Cancer Published online January 25, 2018 doi:10.1038/nrc.2018.2; NATURE.COM/PATHOLOGY “Gene fusions in cancer metabolism” Laboratory Investigation 98:271, 2018].

Ko A et al. LZTR1 mutation mediates oncogenesis through stabilization of EGFR and AXL. Cancer Discovery,  13, 702-723, 2023.

Garofano L et al. Pathway-based classification of glioblastoma uncovers a mitochondrial subtype with therapeutic vulnerabilities. Nature Cancer Feb;2(2):141-156; doi: 10.1038/s43018-020-00159-4, 2021. [see also Hubert, C.G. and Lathia J.D. Seeing the GBM diversity spectrum. Nature Cancer, Feb;2(2):135, 2021].

Migliozzi S. et al. Integrative multi-omics networks identify PKCδ and DNA-PK as master kinases of glioblastoma subtypes and guide targeted cancer therapy. Nature Cancer 4, 181–202 (2023).

Migliozzi S, Adabbo B, Garofano L, Wu F, Davila P, Komotar RJ, Ivan ME, Shah AH, Currall BB, Williams S, Bilbao Cortes D, Minucci Boone M, de la Fuente MI, Gultekin SH, Ceccarelli M, Iavarone A, Lasorella A. Restraint of cancer cell plasticity by spatial homotypic clustering. Cancer Cell, 43:2206-2223, 2025 [see also PREVIEW “Spatial patterns of glioblastoma” Cancer Cell, 43:2189-2190, 2025].

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CORE JOB SUMMARY: 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
1. Contributes to basic and applied research activities and authors scientific publications, technical and agency reports, and patent preparations.
2. Collaborates with senior staff to publish findings in refereed journals.
3. Creates and conducts experiments and analyzes results.
4. Works with other researchers to use and develop end products.
5. Writes extramural proposals with approval from appropriate senior staff.
6. Provides ready access to all experimental data for managing staff.
7. Requests or acquires equipment and supplies for assigned project(s).
8. Uses the internet, surveys, legal documents, and other available sources to collect information.
9. Applies for grants to continue research and prepares materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations.
10. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Doctorate degree - Philosophy (PhD) required

Experience: Minimum 1 year of relevant 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.

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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. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

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