Postdoctoral Associate (Neuroscience Institute)

Core Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Associate performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of managing staff. Additionally, the Postdoctoral Associate contributes to institutional recognition through significant contributions to the scientific community.

Core Job Functions

• Counsels and advises students and staff regarding the selection of courses and programs of study.
• Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned.
• Prepares research reports and technical papers for publishing.
• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories.
• Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
• Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Core Qualifications

• Education: Doctorate degree in Medicine (MD) required.
• No Previous 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.

Department Specific Functions

• Contributes to advanced neuroscience research projects focused on disease mechanisms, neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative pathways, and translational therapeutic development.
• Designs, plans, and executes experiments related to neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, including studies involving abnormal protein aggregation, tauopathies, synaptic dysfunction, and cellular stress pathways.
• Conducts 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.
• Performs 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.
• Supports translational research projects evaluating therapeutic candidates, molecular interventions, and mechanistic pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases.

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.
• No Certification or Licensing 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

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 groundbreaking 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.