The Senior Research Scientist is responsible for leading and executing advanced translational lung research, including development and application of precision-cut lung slice models, flow cytometry, and single-cell and spatial omics approaches. The position integrates multi-modal data to investigate mechanisms of lung disease, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, while ensuring high-quality experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation. The role also provides scientific leadership through supervision of laboratory personnel, oversight of laboratory operations and resources, and support of grant development and scientific dissemination. The candidate is expected to work with a high level of independence, contributing to efficient laboratory functioning, financial stewardship, and advancement of the research program through high-impact publications and competitive NIH grant submissions.
Advanced Experimental Platforms & Technology Development
Lead the expansion and optimization of precision-cut lung slice (PCLS) models to support translational and mechanistic studies
Design and implement advanced flow cytometry and cell-sorting workflows, including panel development, assay validation, and integration with downstream molecular analyses.
Perform spatial and single-cell omics experiment including experimental design, sample preparation from lung tissue, bone marrow and blood of mice
Collaborate with bioinformatics and biostatistics teams to ensure robust analysis and interpretation of datasets.
Research Personnel Supervision and Laboratory Operations Support
Provide direct supervision to research personnel, including technicians, Advanced Research Scientists, postdoctoral trainee, and volunteer students fostering a collaborative, including project oversight, workload prioritization.
Serve as a central resource for the majority of experimental techniques utilized within the laboratory, ensuring technical excellence and troubleshooting support
Research Publication and Grant Data Development
Publish research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences
Generates preliminary data, develops and organizes grant figures for NIH submissions, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance with application guidelines.
In Vivo Model Management and Genotype Verification
Animal colony management of transgenic mice, validation of genotyping results
Overseeing laboratory operations, including procurement of reagents, managing grant budgets, and performing P-card reconciliation to ensure accurate financial tracking and compliance.
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical or medical science with 5 years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD with a minimum of five years of postdoctoral experience in a laboratory setting and at least two years of experience as a research scientist in a lung research laboratory.
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.
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.
