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CORE JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Scientist carries out a particular research agenda in support of the University's research goals and objectives. Moreover, the Assistant Scientist contributes to the scientific community by publishing research findings and promotes the University's reputation as a leader in the field.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

• Contributes to basic and applied research activities and authors scientific publications, technical and agency reports, and patent preparations.
• Collaborates with senior staff to publish findings in refereed journals.
• Creates and conducts experiments and analyzes results.
• Works with other researchers to use and develop end products.
• Writes extramural proposals with approval from appropriate senior staff.
• Provides ready access to all experimental data for managing staff.
• Requests or acquires equipment and supplies for assigned project(s).
• Uses the Internet, surveys, legal documents, and other available sources to collect information.
• Participates in writing grants to continue research and prepares materials for submission to funding agencies and foundations.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

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

Education:

Ph.D., M.D. or other doctoral level degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

Experience:

Minimum 1 year of relevant experience, preferably extensive years of experience working in a research laboratory performing laboratory procedures in the areas of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or cell biology. Extensive experience in designing and conducting biochemical assays, protein isolation and activity assays, molecular biology techniques, and cell culture preferred. Proven experience in lab management, including maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Any appropriate combination of relevant education and/or experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Knowledge in protein research, with a focus on protein structure and function relationships.
• Strong track record of training and mentoring lab personnel.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and present findings clearly.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
• Commitment to the University's core values.
• Proficiency in computer software (i.e., Microsoft Office).
• Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

Department Specific Functions

Assistant Scientist – Yeager Lab, The Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science (FICMS)

The University of Miami is currently offering an excellent job opportunity for an Asst. Scientist to work at the Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science within the laboratory of Dr. Mark Yeager. We are looking for a passionate, talented and dedicated Asst. Scientist with a Ph.D. and years of experience in the field to join our dynamic team and contribute to our cutting-edge research projects. The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, a strong background in independently designing assays to correlate protein structure and function, and the ability to interpret complex data and present findings clearly. This role requires experience in methods of molecular biology, cell culture, protein purification, biochemical and activity assays. In addition, the candidate should have a proven track record in lab management and training new lab personnel.

The Yeager lab is intrigued by biological questions at the interface between cell biology and structural biology. How do membrane channels open and close? How are signals transmitted across a cellular membrane when an extracellular ligand binds to a membrane receptor? How do viruses attach and enter host cells, replicate and assemble infectious particles? We use high-resolution electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) and image processing to explore the molecular design of large, multicomponent supramolecular assemblies. Biological specimens are quick frozen in a physiological state to preserve their native structure and functional properties. A special advantage of this rapid-freezing method is that we can trap and image dynamic states of functioning macromolecular assemblies, such as open and closed states of membrane channels and viruses actively transcribing RNA. Three-dimensional density maps are obtained by digital image processing of the high-resolution electron micrographs. The rich detail in the maps reveals the structural organization of complex biological structures that can be related to the functional properties of such assemblies.

• Independently designs and implements assays to investigate protein structure and function relationships.
• Performs and optimizes biochemical assays for protein isolation, characterization, and activity analysis.
• Utilizes advanced molecular biology techniques to support research projects.
• Conducts and manages cell culture experiments to study protein function in cellular contexts.
• Manages day-to-day operations of the laboratory, including maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Undertakes administrative duties for the lab including:

(1) the creation of requisitions for the Yeager lab in Workday,

(2) maintain adequate levels of supplies,

(3) store new lab supplies,

(4) maintain the chemical inventory and laboratory archives,

(5) maintain the quality and performance of Yeager lab and FICMS equipment and sign-up sheets for their use,

(6) submission of vendor invoices for payment and

(7) submission of change orders and revisions on existing purchase orders, as required

• Completes all required documentation for laboratory safety.
• Schedules laboratory work based on project priorities to meet deadlines.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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