Postdoctoral Associate (Neuroscience Institute)

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The University of Miami/UHealth Office of the Dean has an exciting opportunity for a full time Postdoctoral Associate to work at the UHealth campus in Miami, Fl.

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 Medicine (MD) required

Experience:
No previous experience required

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

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.

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.

Department Specific Functions

The Postdoctoral Associate will contribute to advanced neuroscience research projects focused on disease mechanisms, neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative pathways, and translational therapeutic development. The position requires independent scientific inquiry, mastery of molecular and behavioral neuroscience techniques, and the ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team.

Experimental Research & Scientific Contribution

• Design, plan, and execute experiments related to neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, including studies involving abnormal protein aggregation, tauopathies, synaptic dysfunction, and cellular stress pathways.
• Conduct in vivo and in vitro neuroscience experiments such as primary neuron culture, stereotaxic injections, brain tissue preparation, neuronal activity recording, and behavioral assessments relevant to disease models.
• Perform molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemical assays including gene cloning, plasmid construction, PCR/qPCR, Western Blot, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, RNA/protein extraction, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and related methods.
• Support translational research projects evaluating therapeutic candidates, molecular interventions, and mechanistic pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases.

Data Analysis, Interpretation & Scientific Communication

• Analyze experimental data using appropriate quantitative and imaging tools; prepare figures, summaries, and written documentation for reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Contribute to the writing of research manuscripts and scientific abstracts; assist with presenting findings in internal meetings and at scientific conferences.
• Maintain awareness of current literature in neurobiology, neurodegeneration, and molecular disease research to support study design and interpretation.

Laboratory Operations & Collaborative Responsibilities

• Assist with daily laboratory operations including preparation of reagents, maintenance of equipment, inventory tracking, and adherence to biosafety protocols.
• Collaborate with laboratory teammates to support complex projects, including multi‑step workflows and integrated biochemical, molecular, and imaging studies.
• Maintain accurate, organized experimental records and ensure compliance with research policies, animal care guidelines (when applicable), and institutional regulatory standards.

Department Specific Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Neuropharmacology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related biomedical field, with rigorous training in CNS disease models and mechanistic research.

Certification & Licensing

• None required.

Experience

• Prior experience conducting research in areas such as neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, behavioral neuroscience, or molecular neuroscience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with rodent models, behavioral testing, molecular assays, imaging, and cell‑based experimental systems aligned with laboratory research priorities.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through publications or presented research.
• Experience designing and optimizing experimental workflows involving complex signaling pathways and multi‑level data integration.

Knowledge, Skills & Attitudes

• Strong foundational and applied knowledge of CNS disease mechanisms and neurobiological pathways.
• Proficiency in molecular biology, imaging, histology, animal behavior, and biochemical techniques used in neuroscience research.
• Ability to plan and conduct independent research, interpret experimental results, and communicate findings clearly.
• Commitment to scientific rigor, problem‑solving, and continuous learning.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic research environment and contribute to team‑based scientific efforts.

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