Description

Florida International University is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. Very high research (R1) activity and high social mobility come together at FIU to uplift and accelerate learner success in a global city by focusing in the areas of environment, health, innovation, and justice. Today, FIU has two campuses and multiple centers. FIU serves a diverse student body of more than 56,000 and 290,000 Panther alumni. U.S. News and World Report places dozens of FIU programs among the best in the nation, including international business at No. 2. Washington Monthly Magazine ranks FIU among the top 20 public universities contributing to the public good.

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE POSITIONS

DEPARTMENT OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE

The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University stands at the forefront of integrating community-based medical education and clinical care, with a focus on training socially accountable physicians, scientists, and health professionals dedicated to community service. As an academic and clinical affiliate of Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, the College of Medicine offers a unique environment for innovation and growth.

The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University is currently seeking multiple full-time, non-tenure, Postdoctoral Associate positions in the laboratories of Dr. Lakshmana (Lakshmana Lab) and Dr. Chand (Chand Lab) within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

Lakshmana Lab works on the basic and translational research of neuroimmune disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. Towards basic research, this lab’s main goal is to identify proteins and molecules that regulate Amyloid-β generation and tau hyperphosphorylation. Towards translational research, Lakshmana lab develops biological assays to identify small molecule compounds by high throughput screening (HTS) and high-content screening (HCS) assays targeting pathways such as autophagy-lysosome, senescence, and epigenetics. The lab also targets Alzheimer’s disease resilience factors to enhance neuronal plasticity as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease.

For the postdoctoral associate position in this lab, prior experience in one or more of the following would be preferred, including working with mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, proteomics, iPSC-derived neurons, image analysis, immunoblots, and immunohistochemistry. Candidates with hands-on experience in adeno/lentivirus purification and the design and development of constructs for transgenic and knockout mice are preferred.

Chand Lab studies the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in mucosal immunobiology and inflammation. The laboratory is focused on analyzing the effects of microbial infection and/or inhalational exposure on the airway epithelial remodeling and inflammatory responses underlying the asthma, COPD, cancer, and other chronic diseases. The effects of environmental toxicants such as E-cigarette vape, E-liquids, tobacco smoke, microbial infections, and indoor allergens, are investigated using the molecular, cellular, and animal model approaches. The candidate is required to work with 3D culture systems, animal models, and human tissue samples.

For postdoctoral associate position in this lab, prior experience of working with RNAs, epigenetics, signaling pathways, animal models, histopathology, and immunocytometry is preferred. Prior experience and publication(s) in multi-omics, organoids, and spatiotemporal molecular data analysis is also preferred.

For both labs, the candidate will be expected to plan and carry out research tasks independently and write-up/present research findings on a regular basis. The selected candidate will be responsible for analyzing scientific data, writing manuscripts for publication, and helping with grant proposals to national and state funding agencies and foundations. Duties will also include Service to the College of Medicine (e.g., member of committee, reviewer for journals), grant writing, and applying for institutional, federal, and/or state funding mechanisms. In addition, the selected candidate is expected to have excellent project and time management skills, and strong interpersonal and mentoring skills, and advocates for workplace safety and ethics.

Minimum qualifications include a terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) and have prior research experience and peer-reviewed publications.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to Job Opening ID 536490 at https://facultycareers.fiu.edu/ and attach letter of interest and curriculum vitae in a single pdf file. Candidates will be requested to provide names and contact information for at least three references (previous supervisors). To receive full consideration, applications and required materials should be received by January 12, 2026. Review will continue until the position is filled.

FIU is a State University System of Florida member, Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, and Affirmative Action Employer for individuals with disabilities and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination, contact FIU's Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility at 305.348.2785 or email ocrca@fiu.edu.