Research Associate

The Center for Regenerative Medicine (CRM) is an initiative of the USF Health Heart Institute which operates under the auspices of the Morsani College of Medicine at USF. Members of this Center collaborate with faculty from other USF colleges including Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health , and the Moffitt Comprehensive Cancer Center. The CRM and USF Health Heart Institute are located in the state-of-the-art facility at 560 Channelside Drive in downtown Tampa. The building houses multiple floors of clinical and laboratory space, state-of-the-art small animal imaging facilities, and other outstanding core facilities including a vivarium fully outfitted for small animal husbandry and zebrafish.

The Zhigao Wang lab is inviting excellent candidates for a position at a rank of Research Associate (non-tenured). We are interested in investigators who work on all themes of cell death and cardiac disease, including but not limited to apoptosis, necroptosis, inflammatory disease, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. The candidate will work closely with Dr. Wang on group research initiatives; these include the characterization of new genetic pathways involved in cell death regulation and  cardiovascular disease.

Successful candidates will be offered salary support commensurate with experience. The home department will be Internal Medicine or other relevant department at USF.
 

Responsibilities

• Research-Will guide an independent research project under the supervision of Dr. Zhigao Wang on a topic related to Dr. Wang’s research initiatives in cell death and cardiovascular disease.

• Provide bench level instruction for technicians, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other trainees in the lab.

• Perform basic and translational research related to cell death and heart disease.

• Assist Dr. Wang with preparation of manuscripts and grants by preparing data with descriptions of procedures and figures.

• Will participate in lab meetings, grant writing and manuscript preparation

• As a team, will work towards advancing your own career goals

• Responsible to a Chair or other appropriate higher level administrator of a State university.  

• Responsible for teaching, research, service, and related administrative activities. 

• Responsible for academic advising and related activities. 

• May represent the university, college/school, or department/unit on university and/or Statewide committees.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution or the highest degree appropriate in the field of specialization with a demonstrated record of achievement in teaching, academic research, and service. 

• Experience with molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and bioinformatics.

• Familiarity with grant and manuscript preparation, data presentation, and lab/animal safety protocol preparation is also preferred.

• The applicant must be comfortable handling animals and the use of animal models of disease.

• Candidate must be self-motivated and independent and comfortable seeking and obtaining feedback from peers and colleagues.

• Excellent organization skills.

Preferred:

• The ideal candidate will have a solid publication record and evidence of excellent skills in molecular biology, biochemistry, as well as cell biology.

• Substantial experience (5 years or more) performing basic research using mouse and cell culture models.

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.

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.