Postdoctoral Associate - Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars and MacArthur Genius Fellows. A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.

Postdoctoral Associate

Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine is a national leader in integrating community-based medical education and clinical care. We are dedicated to training socially accountable physicians, scientists, and health professionals committed to serving the community. The College of Medicine is also an academic and clinical affiliate of Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University is currently seeking a full-time, non-tenure Postdoctoral Associate position within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, under the supervision of Dr. David Kalfa in the Kalfa Lab for Congenital Heart Research. The selected candidate will conduct translational cardiovascular research focusing on polymer science, choice of the right polymers, characterization of the polymers, design optimization based on polymer knowledge, advanced mechanical testing and development of new polymers if needed.

The Postdoctoral Associate will be responsible for selecting polymers based on the mechanics and biological requirement, designing and fabricating polymeric scaffolds using established and innovative, performing advanced mechanical testing and developing new polymers if needed.  

The selected candidate will also be responsible for analyzing scientific data, writing manuscripts for publication, and assisting with grant proposals to agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Heart Association, and the National Science Foundation. Duties will also include service to the College of Medicine (e.g., committee membership, journal review), grant writing, and applying for federal and/or state funding. Lastly, the selected candidate is expected to possess excellent project and time management skills, strong interpersonal and mentoring skills, and advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace. For more detailed information on research in the lab, please visit our website: https://medicine.fiu.edu/research/labs/kalfa-lab/

Minimum qualifications include a terminal degree (PhD).

Desired Qualifications: Prior experience in polymer science with a focus on biomaterials for cardiovascular applications is mandatory. Hands-on expertise in scaffold fabrication techniques — particularly electrospinning, dip-molding, and lyophilization — is highly preferred. Candidates should have strong proficiency in mechanical characterization methods (e.g., uniaxial tensile testing, suture retention, peel testing), hydrodynamic performance evaluation, and standard histological and immunofluorescence analyses. Experience with in vivo small animal surgical models, particularly vascular implantation, is highly desirable. A demonstrated publication record in cardiovascular biomaterials, tissue engineering, or regenerative medicine is preferred.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to Job Opening ID 537280 at https://facultycareers.fiu.edu/ and attach letter of interest and curriculum vitae in a single pdf file. Candidates will be requested to provide names and contact information for at least three references (previous supervisors). To receive full consideration, applications and required materials should be received by 11/01/2026. Review will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants are encouraged to review Florida International University’s immigration and visa requirements, if applicable, prior to applying: https://hr.fiu.edu/employees-affiliates/working-at-fiu/immigration-process

FIU is a State University System of Florida member, Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, and Affirmative Action Employer for individuals with disabilities and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment decisions, programs, and events without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination, contact FIU's Office of Civil Rights at 305.348.2785 or email ocr@fiu.edu.