Postdoctoral Scholar Research

University of South Florida; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Florida is offering a postdoctoral position in the Beard laboratory within the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology. The project investigates early blood–brain barrier dysfunction in multiple sclerosis using endothelial cells, astrocytes, pericytes, and immune cells.

The role involves in vivo mouse work, data analysis, and collaboration, with publication‑level results and active mentoring of junior trainees.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant biomedical or life science discipline.
• 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, assist with mentoring junior trainees, and perform research in compliance with institutional animal‑use, biosafety, and laboratory‑safety requirements.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Immunostaining

Confocal microscopy

Flow cytometry

Image analysis

Genetic manipulation

Education

PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree

Tools

Transgenic mice

Job description

Job Description

A postdoctoral position is available in the research group of Richard Beard in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida Health. The project focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying early blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). Using a combination of multicellular culture configurations (endothelial cells, astrocytes, pericytes, encephalitogenic T cells, myeloid cells), molecular biology techniques, transgenic BBB‑specific knockout/in, and in vivo pathophysiological analyses, the successful candidate will investigate mechanisms of BBB dysfunction in models of MS. The position will be based on 100% research effort.

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, assist with mentoring junior trainees, and perform research in compliance with institutional animal‑use, biosafety, and laboratory‑safety requirements.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant biomedical or life science discipline.
• Prior laboratory research experience in molecular and cellular biology, physiology, neuroscience, vascular biology, immunology, or a related field is preferred.

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.

Additional Information for Applicants

This position is Grant‑Funded.

This Position is Not Eligible for Visa Sponsorship

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.

About Us

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.

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 programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

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.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

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.