Sr. Research Associate 3, SOM

University of Miami - Miami, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

Miami, FL

Educational Services

About the position

The Sr. Research Associate 3 at the University of Miami's School of Medicine (SOM) plays a pivotal role in conducting specialized and complex research that aligns with the division's research goals and objectives. This position is critical for the successful operations of the laboratory, where the incumbent will supervise all laboratory staff and users, acting as a subject matter expert and mentor to less experienced personnel. The role is situated within the Division of Transplant and Cell Therapy (TCT) Research Laboratory, focusing on supporting translational research initiatives. Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, the Sr. Research Associate will coordinate the daily operations of the laboratory, ensuring that it is properly equipped and that all equipment is maintained in accordance with safety and compliance regulations. This includes overseeing the effective collection, processing, and storage of biospecimens, ensuring that there is proper coordination from the time of blood draw to cryopreservation. The incumbent will also perform flow cytometry experiments, which involve sample staining and data acquisition for correlative studies related to transplantation and cell therapy research. In addition to research responsibilities, the Sr. Research Associate will handle various administrative duties, such as maintaining reagents, chemicals, and supplies, selecting and ordering necessary materials, and creating and maintaining protocols for laboratory staff. Safety and compliance training and certification for all lab personnel will also fall under their purview, along with appropriate record-keeping. The role may also include other duties as assigned by the Director, reflecting the dynamic nature of the research environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct specialized and complex research in support of the division's research goals and objectives.
• Supervise the activities of all laboratory staff and users.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor to less experienced staff.
• Coordinate the daily operations of the laboratory under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• Provide training for laboratory staff.
• Ensure the laboratory is properly equipped and that equipment is maintained according to safety and compliance regulations.
• Oversee biospecimen collection, processing, and storage activities.
• Ensure proper coordination of biospecimen collection and processing from blood draw to cryopreservation.
• Perform flow cytometry experiments including sample staining and data acquisition.
• Maintain reagents, chemicals, and supplies; select and order supplies as needed.
• Create and maintain protocols for laboratory staff to follow.
• Conduct safety and compliance training and certification for all lab staff.
• Maintain appropriate record-keeping for laboratory operations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a relevant field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience required.
• Experience in flow cytometry, blood cell processing, and immune assays required.
• 5+ years' experience working in an immunology-based research environment preferred.
• Organized and detail-oriented with excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of the University of Miami medical school research environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a supervisory role within a laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with translational research methodologies.