About the role
Organizational Summary:
The USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy is led by the Dean and an engaged administrative leadership team. Its mission is to Transform Health through educating outstanding pharmacy practitioners and leaders, advancing discovery and innovation, and delivering high-quality care in diverse, interprofessional clinical and community settings.
Job Summary:
The Research Scientist will support research in Dr. Manas R. Biswal’s laboratory investigating mechanisms of retinal degeneration and developing gene- and drug-based therapies for retinal degenerative and neovascular diseases. Under the principal investigator’s direction, the scientist will conduct cell culture and animal experiments, perform laboratory assays, support retinal imaging and functional testing, analyze data, and assist with daily laboratory operations.
The selected candidate must have current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Performs mammalian cell culture, including retinal pigment epithelial cells, using sterile techniques. Conducts cell viability, oxidative stress, and other functional assays.
Performs molecular and biochemical assays, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining. Assists with viral vector–based gene delivery studies.
Performs retinal and ocular histology, including tissue fixation, processing, sectioning, staining, and immunostaining. Acquires and analyzes microscopic images to assess retinal structure and cellular changes.
Supports animal breeding, colony management, handling, and genotyping. Performs approved intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, and other treatment administration following appropriate training.
Assists with subretinal and intravitreal injections and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice, including animal preparation, procedural support, and postoperative monitoring.
Performs or assists with retinal imaging using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus photography, and retinal function testing using electroretinography (ERG), including data acquisition and analysis.
Performs or assists with approved euthanasia, tissue collection, and ocular dissection, including isolation of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium/choroid.
Maintains accurate experimental records and sample inventories. Prepares graphs, tables, and figures for reports, presentations, and publications.
Maintains laboratory equipment and supplies, prepares reagents, coordinates repairs, and follows laboratory safety, biosafety, and approved animal research protocols.
Collaborates with laboratory personnel, assists with training and research documentation, and provides occasional weekend or after-hours support for experiments and animal monitoring. Performs other assigned duties.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical, or medical science, with demonstrated competency in molecular biology and laboratory techniques, including microscopy.
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.
Preferred Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacy, or a related life science discipline. Prior experience in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, histology, laboratory maintenance, mouse handling, and animal experiments is preferred. Strong organizational, data analysis, and teamwork skills are desirable.
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.