Postdoc Associate - Research

University of Florida - Gainesville, FL

Full-time - Entry Level

Gainesville, FL

Educational Services

About the position

The Postdoc Associate position at the University of Florida involves contributing to research projects focused on understanding the roles of amino acids, peptides, and plant extracts in regulating protein functions affected by various diseases. The role includes designing and executing experiments, particularly in the context of cancer care, malnutrition, and other health conditions, while collaborating closely with the Principal Investigator.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to projects characterizing the roles of amino acids, peptides, and plant extracts in regulating protein functions altered by disease.
• Design and execute investigations to identify the pathophysiology of inflammation and associated barrier defects with radiation dermatitis.
• Meet regularly with the Principal Investigator to discuss research directions and assist in planning, designing, and interpreting experiments.
• Work with primary human epithelial cell culture to screen and select blends of amino acids, peptides, or plant-based sugars or extracts for their effectiveness in enhancing epithelial barrier function, cell proliferation, and hydration.
• Perform Electrophysiology experiments and various molecular biology tasks including protein microarray, RNA-Seq, DNA sequencing, cloning, RNA purification, gel electrophoresis, western blot, PCR, microarray, ELISA, and FACS analysis.
• Maintain accurate records of all experimental results and manage a database for resulting publications.
• Prepare drafts of results from completed and ongoing experiments for publication.
• Maintain inventories for laboratory experiments, ensuring adequate supplies are available for scheduled or assigned work.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn new methods, procedures, and techniques, and respond positively to changes.
• Identify priority issues and use existing practices and available resources to solve problems.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Electrophysiology and molecular biology techniques such as RNA-Seq, DNA sequencing, cloning, RNA purification, gel electrophoresis, western blot, PCR, microarray, ELISA, and FACS analysis.
• Experience with primary human epithelial cell culture.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with techniques for screening and selecting blends of amino acids, peptides, or plant-based extracts.

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Health Assessment Required