Research Associate 1 - Biology

Research Associate 1

The University of Miami's College of Arts and Sciences has an exciting opportunity for a full time Research Associate 1 to work in Coral Gables, FL.

Core Job Summary The Research Associate 1, GAB supports research activities for the assigned division by conducting laboratory experiments on assigned research projects. Moreover, the incumbent operates with the goal of advancing his/her expertise through continued education, training, and research.

Core Job Functions

• Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures.
• Participates in the publication of significant results.
• Maintains an overview of relevant research findings.
• Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice.
• Keeps abreast of current publications relative to methods, techniques, and developments within the area of research.
• Collects, prepares, analyzes, dissects, and evaluates specimens or tissue cultures.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Performs a variety of routine assays, tests, and studies.
• Performs calculations to complete research test results, collects data, and performs statistical analysis of laboratory results.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Duties Specific to the College of Arts and Sciences

The Clarke Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Miami seeks a Research Associate (RA) to contribute to evolutionary and developmental biology research focused on the origins of animal multicellularity.

The RA will lead experimental efforts to investigate mechanisms of cell adhesion in early branching animal lineages. Primary responsibilities will include designing, performing, and analyzing experiments on tissue formation in cnidarian embryos, using techniques such as immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, advanced light microscopy, and genetic and molecular analyses.

The successful candidate will independently carry out research protocols under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, applying creativity and technical judgment to experimental design and troubleshooting. The RA will assist with data interpretation and the preparation of figures, manuscripts, and other research outputs, and will mentor graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and research practices. The position provides opportunities to advance scientific expertise through hands-on research, training, and professional development.

In addition, the RA will support day-to-day laboratory operations, including ordering supplies and reagents, maintaining research organisms, organizing laboratory space, and ensuring compliance with standard laboratory practices. The RA may assist in training and supervising other research personnel as needed.

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

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field required
• No previous experience 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.