Overview

Postdoctoral Scholar

Department Number/Name: Global, Environment and Genomic Health Sciences

College Division: USF Health – College of Public Health

Job Code/Title: 9180 / Postdoctoral Scholar

POSITION SUMMARY: The University of South Florida (USF) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scholar to join the laboratory of Dr. Juan David Ramirez at the College of Public Health. The successful candidate will participate in multidisciplinary projects focused on the molecular and genomic characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp., with particular emphasis on the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based diagnostic and surveillance tools. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of parasitology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, utilizing cutting-edge sequencing technologies including Illumina, PacBio, and Oxford Nanopore. Candidates with a strong background in parasite culture, cell biology, bioinformatics, and molecular techniques are especially encouraged to apply. The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for culturing and maintaining T. cruzi and/or Leishmania strains and performing in vitro infection assays using mammalian and/or insect cell lines. The role will also involve conducting molecular biology experiments such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, LAMP, and CRISPRCas9-based gene editing. In addition, the fellow will develop and optimize NGS-based approaches using Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and PacBio platforms, including Amplicon-Based Sequencing and Capture Enrichment Sequencing for trypanosomatids. The fellow will also apply and analyze RNA-seq data for transcriptomic studies and utilize phylogenetics and phylogenomics methods to investigate evolutionary relationships and population dynamics of these parasites. Bioinformatics analyses will include genome assembly, variant analysis, transcriptomic data interpretation, and data visualization. They will collaborate with internal and external research partners, contribute to manuscript preparation and grant writing, and help foster a dynamic and productive laboratory environment by mentoring junior lab members. In addition to conducting research, the fellow will prepare scientific manuscripts for publication, present findings at national and international conferences, and contribute to the development of grant proposals and project reports. The position provides the opportunity to engage with a wide network of collaborators, including entomologists, epidemiologists, clinicians, and public health professionals. The fellow will also have opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students and to pursue independent research questions aligned with the overall objectives of the lab. This position is ideal for a highly motivated individual seeking to build expertise at the intersection of molecular parasitology and public health in the context of neglected diseases in the United States.

DESCRIPTION OF QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Microbiology, Parasitology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field from an accredited institution
  • Hands-on experience culturing Trypanosoma cruzi and/or Leishmania spp. and conducting in vitro infection assays with mammalian and/or insect cell lines
  • Proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and LAMP is required, with experience in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing
  • Experience working with next-generation sequencing platforms—including Illumina, PacBio, and Oxford Nanopore—and be familiar with library preparation methods such as amplicon-based and capture enrichment sequencing
  • Strong expertise in RNA-seq data analysis, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics is essential, including skills in genome assembly, variant analysis, phylogenetics, and phylogenomics
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 or other genetic manipulation techniques applied to protozoan parasites
  • Advanced skills in designing and implementing amplicon-based sequencing or capture enrichment protocols
  • Strong background in bioinformatics, including experience with complex phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses, genome annotation, and transcriptome profiling
  • Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields and experience mentoring students or junior researchers
  • Demonstrated record of grant writing and collaborative research projects and show a clear interest in translational research and innovation in parasite genomics and diagnostics will be preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:
The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will design, conduct, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments involving the culture and maintenance of Trypanosoma cruzi and/or Leishmania spp., including in vitro infection assays with mammalian and insect cell lines. They will perform molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, LAMP, and contribute to CRISPR-Cas9-based genetic manipulation projects. The scholar will develop and optimize next-generation sequencing workflows, including amplicon-based sequencing, capture enrichment, and RNA-seq, and analyze resulting data using bioinformatics pipelines for genome assembly, variant detection, transcriptomic profiling, and phylogenetic/phylogenomic analyses. The position requires maintaining meticulous experimental records, collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary research team, and contributing to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and presentation of research findings the scholar will mentor junior lab members, participate in lab meetings and seminars, and ensure compliance with all institutional and federal biosafety and research integrity policies.

Job Opening Number: 41066

Application Review Date: August 29, 2025. Open until filled.

How To Apply
Apply online by completing the required information and attaching your cover letter and CV. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. YOUR COVER LETTER AND CV, PLUS ANY OTHER REQUESTED MATERIAL, MUST BE IN ONE ATTACHMENT. Only online applications are accepted for this position. Visit https://www.usf.edu/work-at-usf/careers/index.aspx and search for Job ID 41066.

Equal Employment Opportunity
USF is an equal opportunity, equal access academic institution that embraces diversity in the workplace. The University of South Florida does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sexual harassment. Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made at any time either online or directly to the University’s Title IX Coordinator.

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