Postdoctoral Scholar Research

University of South Florida • Tampa, FL

2d • $55,000 - $60,000 • Onsite

About The Position

A Postdoctoral Scholar position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Manas R. Biswal in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy. The laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction and retinal degeneration, with an emphasis on mitochondrial oxidative stress, ferroptosis, cellular stress responses, and the development of novel therapeutic approaches for retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. The successful candidate will participate in NIH- and foundation-supported research evaluating gene-, pharmacologic-, and drug-delivery-based therapeutic strategies using complementary cell culture and animal models of retinal degeneration. Current approaches include AAV-mediated gene delivery, molecular and cellular assays, retinal imaging and electrophysiology, and transcriptomic, proteomic, and lipidomic analyses. This position is well suited for a highly motivated scientist interested in retinal biology, ocular disease, gene therapy, oxidative stress, and translational therapeutics. The postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to develop scientific independence, present research at national and international meetings, publish manuscripts, and contribute to the development of research proposals and future grant applications.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Neuroscience, Vision Science, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in molecular, cellular, biochemical, or biomedical sciences.
• Ability to conduct experiments independently, maintain rigorous research records, analyze data, and communicate scientific findings effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Mammalian cell culture and molecular biology.
• Retinal/RPE biology, ophthalmic research, neuroscience, or retinal disease models.
• Mouse handling, breeding, genotyping, tissue collection, or in vivo experimentation.
• Western blotting, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
• Oxidative stress, mitochondrial biology, ferroptosis, autophagy, or cellular stress-response pathways.
• AAV or other viral-vector-based gene delivery.
• Ocular procedures, retinal imaging, OCT, fundus imaging, or ERG.
• Transcriptomics/RNA-seq, proteomics, lipidomics, bioinformatics, or other omics approaches.
• Strong scientific writing skills and evidence of peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, troubleshoot, analyze, and interpret experiments addressing mechanisms of RPE and retinal degeneration and therapeutic intervention.
• Perform mammalian cell culture studies, including RPE and other ocular cell models, using sterile cell culture techniques and molecular and cellular assays.
• Conduct molecular biology and biochemical studies, including RNA and DNA isolation, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, histology, microscopy, and assays of oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, cell death, and related cellular pathways.
• Participate in studies involving RNA sequencing, proteomics, lipidomics, and other omics-based approaches, including experimental preparation, data interpretation, and integration with mechanistic studies.
• Conduct animal studies involving mouse models of retinal degeneration. Responsibilities may include animal handling, breeding and genotyping, administration of experimental treatments, tissue collection, ocular procedures, and post-procedure monitoring.
• Participate in retinal structural and functional assessments using techniques such as fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electroretinography (ERG). Training in specialized ocular procedures may be provided depending on prior experience.
• Contribute to studies involving ocular gene delivery, including AAV-based therapeutic approaches and evaluation of gene expression and treatment efficacy.
• Maintain accurate and reproducible experimental records and perform quantitative analysis and graphical presentation of research data.
• Work collaboratively with the principal investigator, research staff, graduate and professional students, collaborators, and institutional core facilities.
• Prepare scientific figures, presentations, abstracts, manuscripts, progress reports, and other research materials. The successful candidate will be expected to take an active role in publishing research findings.
• Contribute intellectually to the development of new research directions and grant applications and progressively develop independent research ideas.
• Assist with maintaining laboratory compliance, research protocols, and safe laboratory practices, and perform other research-related duties necessary for successful completion of projects.
• Some experiments involving animal models or time-sensitive procedures may occasionally require evening or weekend work.

Benefits

• medical, dental and life insurance plans
• retirement plan options
• employee and dependent tuition programs
• generous leave
• hundreds of employee perks and discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree