Research Associate (Finance)

A Research Associate (non-tenured, Collaborative Track) is available in the laboratory of Dr. Fadi Matar in collaboration with Dr. Thomas McDonald. The selected applicant will assist Drs. Matar and McDonald in the foundation of the "Ruberg Cardiovascular 3D Printing and Bio-Innovation Research Center". Dr. Matar is currently the interim Chief of Cardiology at USF and the founding director of the 3D Printing Program at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI). Dr. McDonald is the Director of the USF-Health Heart Institute and is the Founding Director of the USF Cardiogenetics Program.

This state-of-the-art cardiovascular bio-printing laboratory is located at the USF Health Heart Institute, a state-of-the-art research facility in downtown, Tampa. It focuses on translating bioprinting technologies using pluripotent stem cells and extra-cellular matrix molecules to develop clinically applicable solutions to various cardiovascular diseases. This lab collaborates with distinguished faculty such as Da-Zhi Wang, PhD, director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine in the USF Health Heart Institute and Morsani College of Medicine and who is internationally renowned in the field of regenerative medicine.

Cardiac surgery and interventions improved patient survival but several limitations such as prosthetic valve and vein graft degeneration and lack of good heart replacement solutions persist. The science of stem cell research progressed and now researchers can differentiate such cells into specialized heart and vascular tissues. It is therefore possible to bio-print such cells into 3D geometries, but further research is needed. The 3D Bio-printing research program is aimed at advancing the scientific knowledge and the clinical translation of this field by focusing on valvular, arterial conduits and vascularized myocardial tissue engineering.

TGH is a leading heart transplant and minimally invasive cardiovascular interventional center in the nation. Clinicians, clinician scientists, basic scientists, and medical engineers at USF are part of a multidisciplinary HVI translational program with an infrastructure that supports the institutions' academic mission. The research associate and future recruits of the Ruberg Bio-innovation Research Center will, more readily, be able to translate their innovations into relevant clinical applications.

The Research Associate is expected to work closely with Drs. Matar and McDonald in acquiring the necessary laboratory technologies and recruit additional personnel to start and advance this lab. They will develop projects and are expected to demonstrate independence in the design, oversight of junior trainees, and implementation of the daily activities required for the conduct of the research program. Drs. Matar and McDonald will work with the Research Associate to ensure their career development for future successful academic and industry positions.MINIMUM
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Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, immunology, or related field. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Research Associate. Experience in the submission of manuscripts with a strong publication record. Candidate must be self-motivated and independent and comfortable seeking and obtaining feedback from peers and colleagues. The ability to multitask several research studies simultaneously.
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PREFERRED
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Experience with bio-inks and bio-printing technology. Stem-Cell culture technical experience. Bioassays including flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and ELISA development.Working at USF
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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.
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About USF
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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 .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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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.RESEARCH -

• Independent project design with guidance from the lab directors.
• Designs, oversees, and performs experiments (bench-level work including the use of bio-printers, typically molecular biology, cell biology/tissue culture, protein chemistry, bioassay development).
• Operates and assists with maintenance of equipment.
• Maintains records of experimentation.
• Collection, organization, and analysis of data for presentation and publication (with the lab directors).
• Data generation, analysis, and interpretation for ultimate manuscript preparation.
• Participation in lab meetings, journal clubs, grant writing and manuscript/grant reviews.

TEACHING-

• Assists with training colleagues as needed.

ADMINISTRATIVE-

• Collaborate with other scientists, within the Heart Institute, and USF medical engineering as well as USF/HVI physicians and at other locations, to advance team goals.

OTHER-

• As part of 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.