Postdoctoral Scholar Research

University of South Florida; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for Translational Virology & Innovation (ITVI) at the University of South Florida invites applications for a postdoctoral position in neuroscience and cellular senescence. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team researching how senescence contributes to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, aiming to identify biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

Applicants should hold a PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, bioinformatics, or related field, with experience in

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more: EV isolation and characterization, senescence models in vitro/in vivo, neural cell culture, brain organoids, and computational analysis of high-throughput data (RNA/miRNA-seq, single-cell, proteomics).
• Proficiency in R and/or Python and experience integrating multi-omics data strongly preferred.
• Experience with viruses, including viral infection models or BSL-2 practices, is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Investigate how senescence contributes to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
• Identify new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team and communicate findings effectively.

Skills

EV isolation

Senescence markers

Neural cell culture

Multi-omics analysis

R/Python

Viral infection models

Education

PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, bioinformatics or related field

Job description

Job Description

The Institute for Translational Virology & Innovation (ITVI) at the University of South Florida invites applications for a postdoctoral position in neuroscience and cellular senescence. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team investigating how senescence contributes to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, with the goal of identifying new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. We seek a highly motivated scientist with a PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, bioinformatics, or a related field and demonstrated experience in one or more of the following: EV isolation and characterization (such as ultracentrifugation, size‑exclusion chromatography, NTA, or EV cargo profiling); senescence models and markers in vitro and in vivo; neural cell culture, primary glial or neuronal cells, brain organoids; and computational analysis of high-throughput data, including RNA/miRNA‑seq, single‑cell, or proteomic datasets. Proficiency in R and/or Python and experience integrating multi‑omics data are strongly preferred. Experience working with viruses, including viral infection models or BSL‑2 practices, is a plus. Candidates should have a strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Job Description

The Institute for Translational Virology & Innovation (ITVI) at the University of South Florida invites applications for a postdoctoral position in neuroscience and cellular senescence. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team investigating how senescence contributes to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, with the goal of identifying new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. We seek a highly motivated scientist with a PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, bioinformatics, or a related field and demonstrated experience in one or more of the following: EV isolation and characterization (such as ultracentrifugation, size‑exclusion chromatography, NTA, or EV cargo profiling); senescence models and markers in vitro and in vivo; neural cell culture, primary glial or neuronal cells, brain organoids; and computational analysis of high-throughput data, including RNA/miRNA‑seq, single‑cell, or proteomic datasets. Proficiency in R and/or Python and experience integrating multi‑omics data are strongly preferred. Experience working with viruses, including viral infection models or BSL‑2 practices, is a plus. Candidates should have a strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

University Information

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.

Responsibilities

Investigating how senescence contributes to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, with the goal of identifying new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

Qualifications

PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, bioinformatics, or a related field and demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:

• EV isolation and characterization (such as ultracentrifugation, size‑exclusion chromatography, NTA, or EV cargo profiling)
• senescence models and markers in vitro and in vivo
• neural cell culture, primary glial or neuronal cells, brain organoids
• computational analysis of high-throughput data, including RNA/miRNA‑seq, single‑cell, or proteomic datasets.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python and experience integrating multi‑omics data are strongly preferred.
• Experience working with viruses, including viral infection models or BSL‑2 practices, is a plus.

Candidates should have a strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Postdoctoral Fellow.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first‑class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

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, Sarasota‑Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. 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 $738 million in research funding in 2024 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 more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.