Research Associate

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in Pediatrics at University of South Florida Morsani School of Medicine in the laboratory of Dr. Tara M. Randis.  Our lab is focused on understanding the mechanisms by which maternal infections contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Using novel organotypic and animal models, we examine the roles of specific microbial factors and the ensuring host innate immune response to the development of intraamniotic infection, still birth, preterm delivery and neonatal sepsis. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in animal models of infection; bacterial culture, transformation, and transfection; cell culture infection assays; microbiome analysis; flow cytometry and standard molecular biology techniques. 

• Independently design and perform complex laboratory experiments following standard operating procedures.  

• Contribute to technical writing for grant submissions and peer-reviewed publications.  

• Assist in mentoring and training PhD/MD students and fellows.

Required Education and Experience  

• PhD in Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related field (or Master's degree with significant research experience) 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Competencies with basic biostatistics and bioinformatics methods and supporting software tools. 

• Effective at troubleshooting and optimizing protocols. 

• Excellent organizational, record-keeping, communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively in a team.