Job Description

The University of South Florida has several openings for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Rahul Shinde. The Shinde Lab investigates how the gut microbiome shapes immune and metabolic responses during cancer progression, with a particular focus on the mechanistic links between microbial signals, macrophage function, and disease development. The lab uses a combination of in vitro methodologies, genomics/proteomics approaches, mouse models of tumorigenesis, and patient-derived materials to identify and target pathways linking the microbiome, metabolism, and immune responses in cancer.

• Conduct independent research projects, focusing on the gut microbiome's role in cancer progression and its impact on immune responses.
• Design and execute experiments using a range of methodologies, including in vitro techniques, genomics, proteomics, and mouse models.
• Analyze and interpret complex data, contributing to the lab's understanding of microbial-immune interactions and their implications in cancer.
• Collaborate with a dynamic team of researchers, including lab members and external collaborators, to advance the lab's research objectives.
• Present research findings at lab meetings, conferences, and scientific forums, effectively communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Publish research outcomes in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, ensuring the lab's contributions are recognized and accessible to the scientific community.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior lab members and students, fostering a supportive and collaborative research environment.
• Maintain meticulous laboratory records, ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines and best practices in research.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in gut microbiome research and cancer immunology, continuously expanding your knowledge and expertise.
• Engage in continuous professional development, attending workshops, conferences, and training programs to enhance your skills and stay at the forefront of the field.

• Candidates should hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) or be close to completing their doctoral degree in biomedical sciences or a related field.
• The ideal candidate will have experience in immunology, cancer biology, macrophage function, mouse modeling, and the gut microbiome — including bacterial culture and CRISPR-based editing. Preference will be given to candidates with this background.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry, macrophage/lymphocyte culture, adoptive T cell transfer, molecular biology (RNA/protein analysis, cloning, transfection), microscopy, and mouse surgery is highly desirable. Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and analysis is a plus.
• We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with strong interpersonal skills, excellent organization and time management, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with professional integrity.

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.