Postdoctoral Scholar Research

University of South Florida • Tampa, FL

18h • $60,000 - $75,000

About The Position

A postdoctoral position in Richard Beard’s research group in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida Health. The project investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying early blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS), using multicellular culture configurations involving endothelial cells, astrocytes, pericytes, encephalitogenic T cells, and myeloid cells; molecular biology techniques; transgenic BBB-specific knockout/in models; and in vivo pathophysiological analyses. The position is 100% research effort and is grant-funded.

The successful candidate will investigate BBB dysfunction in models of MS, conduct cell-based and in vivo experiments, analyze and interpret research findings, and contribute to publications, presentations, collaborative projects, and trainee mentoring. Work must comply with institutional animal-use, biosafety, and laboratory-safety requirements.

Requirements

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant biomedical or life science discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Prior laboratory research experience in molecular and cellular biology, physiology, neuroscience, vascular biology, immunology, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and document research investigating blood-brain barrier and CNS microvascular dysfunction.
• Perform mammalian cell culture, molecular and cellular biology, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and quantitative image and data analysis.
• Conduct genetic and pharmacological experiments using primary and established cell systems, and contribute to development and optimization of experimental protocols.
• Maintain rigorous research records, analyze and interpret results, and prepare publication-quality figures and datasets.
• Conduct in vivo studies using genetically engineered mice and neuroinflammatory disease models, including breeding, genotyping, experimental scheduling, injections, perfusion, tissue collection, and physiological or permeability assays.
• Coordinate experimental cohorts and process tissues for downstream molecular, imaging, and cellular analyses.
• Contribute to preparation of abstracts, manuscripts, presentations, grant-related materials, and progress reports.
• Present research findings, participate in collaborative projects, and assist with mentoring junior trainees.
• Perform research in compliance with institutional animal-use, biosafety, and laboratory-safety requirements.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and life insurance plans
• Retirement plan options
• Employee and dependent tuition programs
• Generous leave
• Employee perks and discounts

What This Job Offers

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