Postdoctoral Associate - Infectious Diseases

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CORE JOB SUMMARY
The Postdoctoral Associate performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of managing staff. Moreover, the Postdoctoral Associate promotes institutional recognition through literal contributions to the scientific community.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned.
2. Prepares research reports and technical papers for publishing.
3. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories.
4. Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
5. Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
6. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

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
Education:
Doctorate degree in relevant field required

Experience:
No previous experience required

Candidate should have experience with biocontainment handling of live HIV, working with clinical samples and molecular and cellular biology methods.



Certification and Licensing:
Refer to department description for applicable certification requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Work-related knowledge in tissue culture, molecular biology and genetics laboratory test techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, cloning of cDNA sequences, amplification of DNA sequences by PCR, protein expression techniques, protein purification, plasmid analyses by restriction digest, protein gel electrophoresis, DNA gel electrophoresis, Northern blotting, Western blotting, Southern Blotting, siRNA/DNA transfections, are preferred.
• Work related knowledge in quantitative RNA and DNA PCR, HIV phenotypic assays, virus production, and mutagenesis and construction of recombinant virus variants.
• Collaborate with other employees, good organizational skills, and excellent computer skills required.
• Excellent English language skills (both verbal and written) required.

•  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.

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.

Postdoc Department Specific Requirements:

A postdoctoral position is open to exceptional candidates with prior expertise in HIV molecular biology to participate in NIH funded research to understand mechanisms that underlie viral persistence, viral pathogenicity and HIV-associated co-morbidities, especially in the CNS. Ideally, the candidate should have experience with biocontainment handling of live HIV, working with clinical samples and molecular and cellular biology methods.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will assist with the development and optimization of research methodologies, review relevant scientific literature, and contribute to research presentations, reports, and publications. The individual is expected to follow established research protocols, maintain accurate records, and collaborate with the PI and other laboratory personnel to advance the objectives of sponsored research projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interpret and follow established research protocols and procedures under the guidance of the PI. Seek guidance as needed to ensure accurate and reproducible experimental results.
• Conduct laboratory experiments using molecular and cell biology techniques in support of ongoing research projects. Assist with adapting and optimizing existing methodologies as needed.
• Review scientific journals, publications, and other relevant literature to support experimental planning, troubleshoot technical challenges, and remain current with developments in the research field.
• Prepare materials, reagents, instruments, and apparatus required for experiments. Operate laboratory equipment in accordance with established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Perform routine and specialized laboratory assays, tests, and studies to generate research data. Assist with developing and refining experimental procedures under the guidance of the PI or senior laboratory personnel.
• Collect, organize, document, and analyze experimental data using appropriate analytical and statistical methods. Summarize findings and discuss results with the PI and research team.
• Conduct research in accordance with good research practices, approved protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and applicable institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collect, prepare, process, analyze, and evaluate biological specimens and tissue or cell cultures, as applicable to the research project.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to monthly and annual research reports, presentations, and project updates. Communicate experimental progress, results, and challenges to the PI.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and publications based on research findings, in collaboration with the PI and research team.
• Assist with the preparation of preliminary data, figures, literature summaries, and other research materials that may support grant applications and funding proposals.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, research discussions, and relevant seminars. Collaborate with laboratory staff, students, and other research personnel to support project objectives and develop research expertise.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient laboratory environment. Follow applicable institutional policies and procedures and use university resources responsibly.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned by the PI or designated supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Work-related knowledge in tissue culture, molecular biology and genetics laboratory test techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, cloning of cDNA sequences, amplification of DNA sequences by PCR, protein expression techniques, protein purification, plasmid analyses by restriction digest, protein gel electrophoresis, DNA gel electrophoresis, Northern blotting, Western blotting, Southern Blotting, siRNA/DNA transfections, are preferred.
• Work related knowledge in quantitative RNA and DNA PCR, HIV phenotypic assays, virus production, and mutagenesis and construction of recombinant virus variants.
• Collaborate with other employees, good organizational skills, and excellent computer skills required.
• Excellent English language skills (both verbal and written) required.

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.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff