AdventHealth Orlando seeks to hire a Research Scientist who will embrace our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ.

Located on a lush tropical campus, our flagship hospital, 1,107-bed AdventHealth Orlando, serves as the major tertiary facility for much of the Southeast, the Caribbean and South America. AdventHealth Orlando houses one of the largest Emergency Departments and largest cardiac catheterization labs in the country. We are already one of the busiest hospitals in the nation, providing service excellence to more than 32,000 inpatients and 125,000 outpatients each year.

The collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of doctors, scientists, and researchers at the Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes (TRI) bridges the gap between discovery research and clinical care. This facility, which houses some of the most technologically advanced clinical and diagnostic equipment available, is dedicated to the study of obesity, metabolism, diabetes, and the metabolic origins of cardiovascular disease. 

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Senior Investigator Dr. James P. DeLany. A major focus will include investigation of reasons for the greater risk of diabetes and obesity in African American compared with Caucasian women. PET/CT imaging during a hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp will be utilized to examine the specific steps of glucose uptake and the relative contribution of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue to the lower peripheral glucose uptake in African American women. Muscle biopsies are obtained for mechanistic studies, including mitochondrial function, specific protein levels, histology, and tissue culture. Laboratory analyses include the use of gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. This project also includes examination of the role of mitochondrial DNA haplotype in racial differences in mitochondrial respiration, resting metabolic rate and aerobic fitness.  

Another focus is to gain insight into the metabolic differences responsible for the high BMI and odds of obesity in Samoans associated with the recently identified CREBRF missense variant. To obtain a complete picture of energy balance, we will employ the doubly labeled water (DLW) method, indirect calorimetry, activity monitors, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Longitudinal DLW and DXA measures allow for objective assessment energy intake. Laboratory analyses includes measurement of deuterium and 18-Oxygen isotope enrichment by isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Monday through Friday; 8a – 5p

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist assists in the translational research at the Translational Research Institute and participates in Industry/NIH/Pharmaceutical and government sponsored and investigator initiated research that supports the TRI scientific research plan. Responsible for helping to develop a research program in their field area, and provides guidance to other support staff in the performance of protocol specific tasks. Helps to ensure that all research performed under their direction is in compliance with all AdventHealth, TRI, local, state, and federal laws, policies and procedures. Actively participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.

• MD and /or PhD in a scientific field such as chemistry, biology, or exercise science
• Established competency in research as evidenced by published (peer reviewed) research and/or prior work experience
• Knowledge of the development and operation of clinical and basic science research protocols
• Proven history of NIH, Pharmaceutical and/or equivalent research (Preferred)
• Knowledge or experience in investigator initiated research in a clinical - translational research setting (Preferred)

• N/A

Demonstrates through behavior AdventHealth’s Core Values of Integrity, Compassion, Balance, Excellence, Stewardship and Teamwork as outlined in the organization’s Performance Excellence Program

• Design, construction and implementation of translational research proposals, protocols, and procedures.
• Assist with the analysis of research data in collaboration with Biostatisticians and TRI faculty..
• Preparation of scholarly manuscripts and final study reports (where applicable) to communicate results of the research to the broader scientific community.
• Supervision of data collection by TRI research core staff including but not limited Clinical Operations, Energy Metabolism, BioRepository, and Clinical Research Unit.
• Attend and give seminars under the direction of the Senior Scientist/Scientific Director
• Participation in scientific presentations and publication of research data
• Research grant application preparation
• Fostering and supporting external academic and research collaborations
• Other duties and responsibilities as determined by the scientific director

If you want to be a part of a team that is dedicated to delivering the highest quality in patient care, we invite you to explore the Research Scientist opportunity with Orlando and apply online today.

Research Scientist, Diabetes, Metabolism, Orlando