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The Postdoctoral Research Scholar plays a central role in advancing research initiatives within the newly established Ruberg Cardiovascular 3D Printing & Bio-Innovation Laboratory at USF Health Heart Institute directed by Dr. Fadi Matar. This position integrates expertise in cellular and stem cell biology, 3D bioprinting, and tissue engineering to support the development of innovative cardiovascular advancements. The scholar is responsible for leading cell-based research activities, contributing to experimental design, and driving data analysis and scientific dissemination, while supporting the laboratory's broader operational, educational, and collaborative goals.
Impact of the Role:
This position is critical to the laboratory's mission of developing next-generation cardiovascular advancements through bioprinting and regenerative medicine. The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will help bridge foundational cellular biology with translational applications, contributing to meaningful scientific innovations and improved patient outcomes.
Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of cell culture, including isolation, expansion, stem cell differentiation, characterization, confocal imaging, and long-term maintenance of primary, and immortalized cell lines.
• Establish, organize, and manage a comprehensive laboratory cellular biorepository, ensuring proper documentation, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate on biomaterial preparation and optimization, including hydrogel formulation and bioink development for cardiovascular bioprinting applications.
• Operate, optimize, and troubleshoot bioreactor systems and dynamic culture platforms for engineered cardiovascular tissues.
• Contribute to experimental design, protocol development, and troubleshooting across multidisciplinary research projects.
• Serve as a lead contributor in data acquisition, statistical analysis, and interpretation, ensuring rigor and reproducibility of findings.
• Provide substantial input in manuscript preparation, grant writing, and research proposals, contributing to project direction and innovation strategies.
• Mentor graduate students and research trainees in laboratory techniques, experimental planning, and scientific communication.
• Support laboratory outreach efforts, including participation in educational initiatives, public engagement, and guided laboratory tours.
• Assist with routine laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and procurement of supplies.
• Maintain compliance with institutional, biosafety, and ethical standards.

Additional Expectations and Contributions:

• Stay current with emerging technologies and scientific advancements in cellular biology, tissue engineering, and cardiovascular research.
• Demonstrate leadership in problem-solving, innovation, and strategic project development.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive laboratory culture that encourages teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Participate in seminars, conferences, and professional development opportunities to enhance scientific visibility and career progression.
• Assist in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and improving laboratory workflows for efficiency and scalability.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays.
• Experience with stem cell biology, biomaterials, 3D tissue culture, organoids, tissue engineering, or bioprinting techniques is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools.
• Proven track record of scientific publications and/or grant contributions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check
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. Contact the USF ADA Lead (hr-ADA-Request@usf.edu) to coordinate your accommodation request.
About Us
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.