Postdoctoral Scholar Research

Overview

The project focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying early blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). Using 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.

• Perform molecular biology techniques, including subcloning, transformations, mutagenesis, plasmid isolations, and mammalian cell transfections.
• Initiate and maintain (multicellular) cell culture, including transwell and 3D platforms.
• Conduct cell culture experiments, including genetic and pharmacological manipulations.
• Crossbreed and genotype transgenic mice, including general husbandry.
• Perform animal surgeries and procedures, including injections, blood draws, perfusions, and tissue harvests.
• Conduct animal physiology experiments, including permeability and transendothelial migration studies.
• Immunostain and collect immunofluorescence micrographs, including confocal.
• Run flow cytometry experiments.
• Perform data analyses and figure preparations.
• Write abstracts and manuscripts.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical skills and the ability to work independently in core laboratory techniques are essential. These include advanced cell culture, confocal microscopy, immunodetection techniques, qPCR, and molecular biology.
• Expertise in designing and conducting complex animal studies is also crucial, along with skills in tissue harvesting and preparation, while adhering to all relevant ethical and safety protocols.
• In addition to technical skills, the candidate will have a proven track record in designing effective research protocols, analyzing and interpreting complex datasets, and troubleshooting experiments.

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.

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 .edu.

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…