RES AST/ASO PROF - Garcia Lab

Job Description

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. Academic rank and salary will align with experience and qualifications.

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 be expected to lead and contribute to funded research projects, support the development and management of new scientific initiatives within CISSM, and collaborate with faculty across UF Scripps and UF Health.

• Mentoring trainees
• Contributing to grant development
• Strengthening multidisciplinary partnerships
• Participating in collaborative manuscript development

Teaching Expectations

Teaching expectations are limited but may include occasional guest lectures or specialized training sessions related to the candidate's expertise.

Research Focus

Lead independent and collaborative research projects focused on inflammation biology, pulmonary disease, vascular injury, fibrosis, or related mechanisms, ensuring high scientific rigor and compliance.

Grant Proposals and Manuscripts

Develop, manage, and contribute to grant proposals, manuscripts, and other research deliverables that advance Garcia Lab and CISSM programs.

Supporting Initiatives

Support ongoing large scale center initiatives, including multicenter studies, programmatic grants, and translational collaborations.

Mentoring and Training

Mentor and train graduate students, postdocs, and research staff in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication.

Scientific Leadership

Contribute to CISSM’s strategic growth through scientific leadership, participation in program development, and occasional specialized teaching or training.

Internal Meetings and Activities

Participate in internal meetings, scientific retreats, and CISSM program development activities.

Academic Service

Contribute to and oversee research rigor, data integrity, and compliance with all UF, NIH, and regulatory guidelines.

Physical Demands

• Routine work at the bench such as pipetting, standing for extended periods, handling laboratory reagents, and operating standard research equipment.
• Exposure to biohazards, chemicals, and specialized research materials.
• 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.

Computer Skills

• Ability to manage multiple complex research activities at once while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Advisory Committee

• Willingness to collaborate with other investigators, build cross-disciplinary partnerships, and contribute to the growth of the center’s research portfolio.

Qualifications

• 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).
• Ability to design and carry out independent experiments.
• 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.