Postdoctoral Scholar Research - Medical Engineering

Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Medical Engineering at the University of South Florida (USF) will support interdisciplinary research initiatives focused on microbiology, microbial detection, nanobiotechnology, therapeutics, harmful algal blooms (HABs), and related biomedical and environmental applications. The incumbent will conduct independent and collaborative research, develop innovative technologies and methodologies, contribute to grant and publication activities, and work with multidisciplinary teams to advance scientific discovery and translational research. This position is suited for a highly motivated, productive, and solution-oriented scientist committed to excellence in research and innovation.

The position is anticipated to be a two-year renewable appointment, with renewal based on performance and availability of grant funding. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution and appropriate experience and training within a selected area of specialization. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Postdoctoral Fellow.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in Microbiology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with strong expertise in microbiology/molecular biology and microbial detection. Experience with advanced detection technologies, high-throughput sequencing, microbiome research, antimicrobial resistance, nanobiotechnology, or related analytical approaches is highly desirable.

The successful candidate should demonstrate scientific initiative, strong experimental problem-solving skills, independence, productivity, and excellent communication and collaboration skills.

This job is subject to Foreign Influence Screening: During the 2021 Florida legislative session, House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”) was passed and later signed into law by Governor DeSantis.  The new law modifies a variety of Florida Statutes to address concerns regarding improper foreign influence.  With regard to employment at major research institutions like the University of South Florida, the new law requires thorough review of certain applicants for positions involving research.  

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.