Postdoctoral Scholar Research

The laboratory uses a multidisciplinary and translational approach that integrates genetically modified rodent models, rodent organ transplantation and kidney injury models, and preclinical large-animal (porcine) models. Research techniques include microsurgery, cell culture, organoids, molecular and cellular biology, real-time PCR, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, functional and biochemical assays, single-cell RNA sequencing, multi omics, and analysis of human and experimental datasets.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and creative scientist with strong training in animal models, molecular biology, physiology, cell biology, or a related discipline. Experience with animal models, particularly rodent microsurgery, kidney injury, or transplantation models, is highly desirable.

• Conduct independent and collaborative research investigating molecular mechanisms of ischemia-reperfusion injury, kidney disease, and organ transplantation.
• Participate in experimental design, project planning, protocol development, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Perform molecular and cellular experiments, including mammalian cell culture, RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, biochemical assays, and related techniques.
• Perform experiments using rodent models of kidney injury and transplantation. Responsibilities may include animal handling, blood and tissue collection, oral gavage, IP/IM/IV administration, mouse colony management, and microsurgical procedures.
• Perform or assist with pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative procedures associated with experimental animal surgery.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records, experimental protocols, datasets, and research documentation.
• Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics approaches.
• Prepare figures, presentations, manuscripts, and research reports and contribute to grant applications.
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, and national or international scientific conferences.
• Work collaboratively with laboratory members, collaborators, students, and research staff and assist with training junior laboratory members when appropriate.
• Contribute to general laboratory organization, including reagent and sample inventory, equipment maintenance, and coordination of research supplies necessary for assigned projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution in physiology, molecular biology, cell biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Appropriate research experience and training in molecular, cellular, or animal physiology.
• Must meet University criteria for appointment as a Postdoctoral Fellow.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rodent microsurgery, kidney injury models, or organ transplantation models is highly desirable.
• Experience with one or more of the following is preferred: Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, primary cell culture, confocal microscopy, single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics, bioinformatics, or nanotechnology.
• Experience with renal physiology, ischemia-reperfusion injury, regulated cell death, transplantation, or related areas is a plus.
• Strong record of scientific productivity and demonstrated ability to conduct research independently and collaboratively.

Additional Information for Applicants: This position is Grant-Funded.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.

• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.