Postdoctoral Scholar Research

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.

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

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.