Education STEM OPT Jobs in Florida

INTRODUCTION

The Division of Vascular Surgery, Morsani School of Medicine, University of South Florida is seeking applications for a senior Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on peripheral arterial disease, endothelial and muscle cell function and ischemia-reperfusion injury. A fully equipped laboratory is available in a state-of-the-art facility with access to advanced core resources.

NATURE OF WORK

Performs a variety of lab and/or field experiments which require competency with standard and more advanced scientific techniques and equipment in disciplines such as molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, physiology, and pathology/microscopy. Work also includes contribution to the design, execution, and troubleshooting of the experiments. Modifications to the methods is expected to be based on familiarity with the essential underlying principles, and are made in a semiautonomous manner. The individual may act as a laboratory expert in certain specialized techniques, such as physiologic, molecular, genomic, or microscopic methods. Analysis of results may rise to a greater level than Research Scientist. This position is grant funded.

Applicants will participate in a research program focused on basic cardiovascular electrophysiology, ion channel trafficking, calcium dynamics, muscle/vascular cell isolation, fluorescent staining, data analysis and exercise functional recording. Priority will be given to candidates with experience in basic scientific evaluation of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and skeletal myocytes.

Provides data or figures of publication quality for manuscripts or grants.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical or medical science with 2 years of experience.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.

Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution and appropriate experience and training within a selected area of specialization.

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.

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.