Research Fellow - Orthopedic Surgery - Sammarco lab

Mayo Clinic • Rochester, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sammarco Laboratory in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a growing research program investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate bone and soft tissue regeneration. Our laboratory seeks to understand how fundamental cellular processes direct regenerative healing, with the long-term goal of translating these discoveries into therapies that improve musculoskeletal repair and functional recovery. Our research integrates molecular biology, regenerative biology, and advanced imaging to investigate fundamental mechanisms of tissue regeneration. Current areas of investigation include cellular metabolism, mitochondrial homeostasis and remodeling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, sensory nerve regulation of bone regeneration, cellular senescence, and the molecular pathways that distinguish regenerative healing from fibrosis. Together, these studies aim to identify biological mechanisms that can be translated into innovative regenerative therapies. The successful candidate will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary laboratory committed to scientific rigor, innovation, and discovery. We seek an intellectually curious scientist capable of leading independent research projects while contributing to the laboratory's broader scientific vision. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to develop innovative research, publish high-impact studies, compete for extramural funding, and prepare for a successful career as an independent investigator.

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree.
• Strong record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications reflecting the ability to independently conduct rigorous research.
• Extensive experience in molecular and cellular biology.
• Ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot complex methodologies, and interpret findings within a broader biological context.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing publication-quality figures, writing scientific manuscripts, and presenting research to diverse scientific audiences.
• Scientific creativity, intellectual curiosity, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Highly self-motivated, capable of working independently within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment, and committed to the highest standards of scientific rigor, reproducibility, and integrity.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills are expected.
• A cover letter describing research interests, career goals, and motivation for joining the laboratory is required.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, developmental biology, regenerative biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, mouse models, histology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, quantitative image analysis, and advanced molecular techniques.
• Experience writing fellowship applications or contributing to grant proposals.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret complex molecular, cellular, imaging, and animal-based studies addressing fundamental questions in musculoskeletal regeneration.
• Develop scientific hypotheses, optimize and establish new experimental approaches, critically evaluate data and the literature, and identify new research directions that advance the laboratory's mission.
• Generate high-quality, reproducible data using advanced molecular biology, cell biology, histology, imaging, and mouse-based techniques.
• Analyze complex datasets, prepare publication-quality figures, and write first-author manuscripts.
• Contribute to fellowship and grant applications.
• Present research at laboratory meetings and regional, national, and international scientific conferences.
• Contribute intellectually to the laboratory's research program by mentoring research staff and trainees, fostering scientific rigor and reproducibility, supporting collaborative projects, and helping shape the future direction of the laboratory.

What This Job Offers

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