Organizational Summary
The USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy at the University of South Florida is committed to transforming health through excellence in education, discovery, innovation, and collaborative research. The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences provides a multidisciplinary research environment spanning molecular and cellular biology, drug discovery and delivery, translational science, and therapeutic development.
Position Summary
A Postdoctoral Scholar position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Manas R. Biswal in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy. The laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction and retinal degeneration, with an emphasis on mitochondrial oxidative stress, ferroptosis, cellular stress responses, and the development of novel therapeutic approaches for retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. The successful candidate will participate in NIH- and foundation-supported research evaluating gene-, pharmacologic-, and drug-delivery-based therapeutic strategies using complementary cell culture and animal models of retinal degeneration. Current approaches include AAV-mediated gene delivery, molecular and cellular assays, retinal imaging and electrophysiology, and transcriptomic, proteomic, and lipidomic analyses. This position is well suited for a highly motivated scientist interested in retinal biology, ocular disease, gene therapy, oxidative stress, and translational therapeutics. The postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to develop scientific independence, present research at national and international meetings, publish manuscripts, and contribute to the development of research proposals and future grant applications.
Design, conduct, troubleshoot, analyze, and interpret experiments addressing mechanisms of RPE and retinal degeneration and therapeutic intervention.
Perform mammalian cell culture studies, including RPE and other ocular cell models, using sterile cell culture techniques and molecular and cellular assays.
Conduct molecular biology and biochemical studies, including RNA and DNA isolation, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, histology, microscopy, and assays of oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, cell death, and related cellular pathways.
Participate in studies involving RNA sequencing, proteomics, lipidomics, and other omics-based approaches, including experimental preparation, data interpretation, and integration with mechanistic studies.
Conduct animal studies involving mouse models of retinal degeneration. Responsibilities may include animal handling, breeding and genotyping, administration of experimental treatments, tissue collection, ocular procedures, and post-procedure monitoring.
Participate in retinal structural and functional assessments using techniques such as fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electroretinography (ERG). Training in specialized ocular procedures may be provided depending on prior experience.
Contribute to studies involving ocular gene delivery, including AAV-based therapeutic approaches and evaluation of gene expression and treatment efficacy.
Maintain accurate and reproducible experimental records and perform quantitative analysis and graphical presentation of research data.
Work collaboratively with the principal investigator, research staff, graduate and professional students, collaborators, and institutional core facilities.
Prepare scientific figures, presentations, abstracts, manuscripts, progress reports, and other research materials. The successful candidate will be expected to take an active role in publishing research findings.
Contribute intellectually to the development of new research directions and grant applications and progressively develop independent research ideas.
Assist with maintaining laboratory compliance, research protocols, and safe laboratory practices, and perform other research-related duties necessary for successful completion of projects.
Some experiments involving animal models or time-sensitive procedures may occasionally require evening or weekend work.
This position is fully in-office, with typical operational hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Neuroscience, Vision Science, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated research experience in molecular, cellular, biochemical, or biomedical sciences.
Ability to conduct experiments independently, maintain rigorous research records, analyze data, and communicate scientific findings effectively.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
Mammalian cell culture and molecular biology.
Retinal/RPE biology, ophthalmic research, neuroscience, or retinal disease models.
Mouse handling, breeding, genotyping, tissue collection, or in vivo experimentation.
Western blotting, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
Oxidative stress, mitochondrial biology, ferroptosis, autophagy, or cellular stress-response pathways.
AAV or other viral-vector-based gene delivery.
Ocular procedures, retinal imaging, OCT, fundus imaging, or ERG.
Transcriptomics/RNA-seq, proteomics, lipidomics, bioinformatics, or other omics approaches.
Strong scientific writing skills and evidence of peer-reviewed publications.
Desired Candidate
We are seeking a motivated, collaborative, and scientifically curious individual who is interested in developing a career in vision research and translational science. Candidates should demonstrate strong experimental skills, attention to rigor and reproducibility, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop increasing scientific independence through manuscript preparation, conference presentations, collaborative projects, and participation in fellowship and grant applications.
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.
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.
Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.
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The University of South Florida is a public research university that serves the state of Florida and the nation.