Job Description

The Department of Emergency Medicine at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join a translational research program focused on sepsis, septic shock, and sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

The research associate will work primarily on two NIH-funded projects integrating human biospecimens, molecular and single-cell approaches, mechanistic laboratory studies, and clinical investigation. Our goal is to understand biological heterogeneity in critical illness, identify actionable molecular pathways, and develop new therapeutic and precision-medicine approaches.

We are particularly interested in a mechanistically oriented scientist with strong wet-lab experience who is excited about translating discoveries from patients into experiments that define cellular mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets. The scientist will work within a multidisciplinary team of clinician-scientists, basic scientists, bioinformaticians, and biostatisticians.

Research Opportunities and Responsibilities

• Lead mechanistic and translational studies in sepsis and septic ARDS.
• Work with primary human cells and biospecimens from well-characterized critically ill patients.
• Apply single-cell and molecular approaches to identify disease-associated cells and pathways.
• Translate transcriptomic and molecular findings into testable mechanistic hypotheses.
• Use molecular and pharmacologic approaches to define pathway function and evaluate potential therapeutic targets.
• Collaborate with bioinformatics and biostatistics investigators to integrate laboratory, molecular, and clinical data.
• Lead and contribute to manuscripts, scientific presentations, and grant applications.
• Collaborate with faculty and trainees on research in shock, resuscitation, critical illness, and other areas of acute care.

Training and Career Development

This position is well suited for a scientist interested in working at the interface of human discovery, biological mechanism, and therapeutics. The fellow will have opportunities to lead publications, present at national meetings, develop independent research questions, participate in grant development, mentor trainees, and generate preliminary data for future career-development and independent research awards.

The position provides access to well-characterized clinical cohorts, human biospecimens, molecular and single-cell datasets, ongoing clinical studies, and a highly collaborative translational research environment within the Department of Emergency Medicine at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville.

Candidates should have a PhD, MD/PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant biomedical discipline.

Must already reside within the United States.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Strong molecular and cellular wet-lab experience, including cell culture and molecular/protein assays.
• Experience with primary human cells, clinical biospecimens, and/or single-cell biology.
• Experience designing rigorous mechanistic experiments, including appropriate controls, dose-response studies, and pathway validation.
• Experience or strong interest in therapeutics, pharmacology, drug discovery, or target validation.
• Relevant experience in sepsis, immunology, inflammation, vascular/endothelial biology, acute lung injury/ARDS, or oxidative/redox biology is desirable.
• Basic proficiency in statistical analysis. Advanced bioinformatics expertise is not required; dedicated bioinformatics and biostatistics collaborators support the program.
• Strong scientific communication, collaboration, and writing skills.

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans – to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights

• Medical: Multiple plan options.
• Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
• Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
• Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
• Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.