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Sr. Research Associate 1

The University of Miami/UHealth department of The Miami Project has an exciting opportunity for a Full Time Sr. Research Associate 1 to work at the UHealth Medical Campus. The Sr. Research Associate 1, SOM (A) provides laboratory-based support for the University’s research activities by tackling the more specialized and complex projects and experiments. Additionally, the incumbent leverages expertise in training and mentoring department staff, students, and less experienced research associates.

CORE JOB SUMMARY                                                                                                                                                                                                   

The Sr. Research Associate 1, SOM (A) provides laboratory-based support for the University’s research activities by tackling the more specialized and complex projects and experiments. Additionally, the incumbent leverages expertise in training and mentoring department staff, students, and less experienced research associates.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                                     

• Performs specialized and complex experiments in the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) field.

• Advances expertise through education, training, and research. Collects, prepares, analyzes, dissects, and evaluates samples for TEM, including resin-embedding block tissue, cell cultures and pellets.

• Performs sectioning for semi-thin and thin sections in the ultramicrotome.

• Stains the sections collected onto grids for contrast. Loads nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles onto grids.

• Specialized tasks to include immunostaining (immunogold) at the TEM level.

• Operates sensitive and highly complex laboratory equipment such as the ultramicrotomes and the transmission electron microscopes.

• Acquires images in the transmission electron microscope and sends electronic copies to users.

• Assists in checking-in users who come to operate the electron microscope independently, including starting the scope and the camera software, and completing the login sheet.

• Performs quality checks on safety of laboratories, including bio hazards, and insures maintenance of the facilities according to good laboratory practices. 

• Responsible for preparing the laboratories for the annual Environmental Health and Safety inspection.

• Maintains laboratory equipment in compliance with federal regulations including the two transmission electron microscopes.

• Contacts technicians to perform necessary repairs.

• Updates protocols accordingly – both hard copies and electronic files in the shared drive.

• Assists in training students and volunteers in the standard operating procedures of the Core and equipment specific requirements.

• Interacts with other laboratories and TEM Core users. Participates in training sessions, workshops and presentations.

• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Department Specific Functions

The Senior RA1 will be responsible for processing samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses.  This function includes, but it is not limited to, embedding samples (block tissue, cell cultures, pellets, etc.) in resin, sectioning blocks in the ultramicrotome and staining grids.  Other specialized duties are loading grids with nanoparticles/extracellular vesicles, immunogold staining for TEM, and operating the two JEOL JEM-1400 electron microscopes.  The Senior RA1 will interact with TEM Core users, train students, present at workshops, and assist the Manager in the general maintenance of the laboratory.

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                                                                                                    

• Master’s Degree in relevant field

• No experience required. Preference- 3 years of relevant experience in transmission electron microscopy and histology.

• CEMT certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• 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.

• Proficient in basic computer operations and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Ability to recognize, analyze, and identify histological tissue.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

• Ability to work independently.

• Ability to operate instruments independently.

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

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