RES AST/ASO PROF - Garcia Lab

Classification Minimum Requirements: A doctoral degree (PhD, MD/PhD or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. inflammation biology, immunology, pulmonary biology, vascular biology, systems medicine, or a closely related discipline).

About the Role

The Center for Inflammation Sciences and Systems Medicine (CISSM) at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology is seeking applications for a non-tenure track Assistant Professor / Associate Professor position in the Laboratory of Joe GN Garcia MD, Wertheim Professor of Molecular Medicine and AVP for UF Health Research. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment.

We are looking for a scientist with strong biochemistry and molecular biology skills and a record of research productivity and solid publication history in inflammation biology, vascular medicine, systems medicine, or related areas. Candidates should demonstrate evidence of high-quality collaborations across disciplines and a clear commitment to advancing translational research. Experience with mechanistic studies, molecular and cellular models of inflammation, preclinical models of lung injury or fibrosis, or expertise that complements ongoing Garcia Lab and CISSM programs will be viewed favorably.

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative environment supported by strong institutional resources and a growing scientific community. CISSM is housed within a top-tier biomedical research institute that maintains strong federal funding, active collaborations across UF campuses, and a clear mission to accelerate discovery in inflammation science and translational medicine.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent and collaborative research projects focused on inflammation biology, pulmonary disease, vascular injury, fibrosis, or related mechanisms, ensuring high scientific rigor and compliance.
• Develop, manage, and contribute to grant proposals, manuscripts, and other research deliverables that advance Garcia Lab and CISSM programs.
• Support ongoing large-scale center initiatives, including multicenter studies, programmatic grants, and translational collaborations.
• Mentor and train graduate students, postdocs, and research staff in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
• Contribute to CISSM’s strategic growth through scientific leadership, participation in program development, and occasional specialized teaching or training.
• Participate in internal meetings, scientific retreats, and CISSM program development activities.
• Assist with manuscript review, grant review, and other academic service that supports the mission of CISSM and UF Scripps.
• Contribute to and oversee research rigor, data integrity, and compliance with all UF, NIH, and regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Record of creative scholarly work (peer-reviewed publications, research contributions) beyond what is expected at junior faculty level.
• Demonstrated research experience in areas relevant to the lab’s focus (e.g., inflammation mechanisms, lung/vascular injury, fibrosis, preclinical models) along with evidence of ability to design and carry out independent experiments.
• The role requires sustained concentration, critical thinking, and the ability to manage multiple complex research activities at once while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Physical Demands

• Routine work at the bench such as pipetting, standing for extended periods, handling laboratory reagents, and operating standard research equipment.
• Work in a laboratory environment that may involve exposure to biohazards, chemicals, and specialized research materials. All work must follow institutional safety guidelines.
• Regular use of laboratory instruments such as microscopes, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, flow cytometers, cryostorage systems, and related devices.
• Frequent computer use for data analysis, manuscript and grant preparation, virtual collaboration, and research documentation.
• Adaptability and sound judgment in fast-moving scientific settings, along with the ability to troubleshoot experiments, manage competing deadlines, and respond to unexpected research challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of ability to mentor and guide graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other research staff in experimental design, benchwork, data analysis, and research best practices.
• Capability to lead and contribute to grant proposals, manage funded research projects, and produce high-quality manuscripts.
• Willingness to collaborate with other investigators, build cross-disciplinary partnerships, and contribute to the growth of the center’s research portfolio.