Contact Us
Join Our Lab
-
Postdoctoral Associate
The Sharifi laboratory focuses on mechanistic discovery to understand the metabolic and molecular mechanisms of androgen synthesis and androgen receptor gain-of-function that lead to prostate cancer resistance to hormonal therapy. The work is revealing fundamental endocrine mechanisms in both normal physiology and disease, including stress, and glucocorticoid resistance that will lead to broad applications to oncology and cancer physiology. Specific areas include:
- Metabolic and genetic changes required for hormone therapy resistance in prostate and breast cancers
- Discovery of entirely new mechanisms of endocrine physiology and regulation
- Clinical validation in patients and clinical trials using innovative approaches
- Animal models of advanced cancer for translational and therapeutic studies
- Identifying targets for the development of new pharmacologic therapies
- Drug discovery for new therapies
This position is ideal for an individual with a strong interest in rapid translation of basic mechanistic discoveries to the bedside as this is a principal goal of the Sharifi Laboratory. For example, they have shown that our discovery of a gain-of-function in a steroid-synthesizing enzyme is a predictive biomarker of poor outcomes after hormonal therapy (Hearn, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2016;17:1435-44; JAMA Oncol. 2018;4:558-62; JAMA Oncol. 2020;6(4):e196496). Dr. Sharifi’s group is currently evaluating this biomarker in an active clinical trial, and pursuing similar mechanisms and developing new treatment modalities based on these discoveries.
The position will provide a unique and multidisciplinary exposure to tumor metabolism, molecular oncology, drug development, and clinical trials.
The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. degree in biochemistry, chemistry or molecular biology; has the appropriate expertise in discovery of molecular, biochemical or chemical mechanisms; and is highly driven. Outstanding verbal and communication skills are required.
Interested candidates should send their CV and contact information for 3 references to: nimasharifi@miami.edu.
-
Postdoctoral Associate / Scientist (Mass Spectrometry)
The Nima Sharifi Laboratory (Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine) is seeking to recruit a Scientist or Postdoctoral Associate to lead the development and implementation of Imaging Mass Spectrometry applications for translational and clinical research. This position will partner with principal investigators and an outstanding clinical urology team with the goal of defining the underlying biochemical and clinical behavior genitourinary disorders to identify new strategies that will lead to durable clinical benefits. This position will provide a unique and multidisciplinary exposure to tumor metabolism, molecular oncology, drug development, and clinical trials.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and validate new mass spectrometry technologies and protocols to improve system performance and address analytical challenges.
- Support research projects by ensuring the collection and analysis of high-quality data.
- Collaborate with researchers, including chemists, biologists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians to integrate mass spectrometry data with other methods and experiments.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records of experiments, procedures, and results.
- Prepare comprehensive reports, summaries, and presentations of research findings for internal and external audiences.
- Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
- Operate, maintain, and calibrate mass spectrometry instruments, including sample preparation and routine upkeep.
- Troubleshoot instrumentation and data quality issues to ensure accurate and reproducible results.
Education:
- Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, or another relevant field required
Experience:
- Ability to lead mass spectrometry-based projects with minimal oversight.
- Proficient in basic statistical methods and design of MSI experiments and techniques.
- 2+ years of relevant experience in a research or laboratory environment including:
- Working knowledge of MALDI-MSI instrumentation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting (Experience with Bruker timsTOF fleX Preferred).
- Hands-on experience with sample preparation and extraction of small molecules from various biological matrices.
- Hands-on experience with different chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry methodologies for analysis of biomarkers, or small molecules.
- Knowledge of various derivatization and extraction protocols
Candidates should submit a CV and cover letter, via e-mail to DSUIscience@miami.edu.
-
Faculty: All Levels
The Desai Sethi Urology Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is seeking to recruit outstanding scientists for faculty positions at the assistant through full professor levels.
For more details, please view the job posting here: Faculty - Open Rank