Graduate Research Assistant - Medical Engineering

PhD Research Opportunity: Medical Engineering, University of South Florida

Dr. Alya Limayem's laboratory at USF is seeking a motivated, creative, and intellectually curious PhD student interested in developing innovative solutions to challenges in human health and environmental biotechnology.

Our research study includes:

• Microbiome Engineering: Microbial characterization, molecular diagnostics, and automated detection.
• Biopolymers & nanocomponents: Design of functional biopolymers, bioactive materials, and hydrogel bead filters.
• Novel Antimicrobial Technologies: Innovative biofilm disruption and removal approaches, including ultrasound, metal oxides; electroporation, and emerging technologies.

• Environmental Biotechnology: Advanced technologies for nutrient removal and harmful algal bloom prevention including biodegradable membrane filtration.

Who We Are Looking For:

Candidates should have foundational knowledge or research experience in at least two of the research areas listed above, including basic knowledge of microbiology or molecular biology and chemistry relevant to biomaterials development.

Beyond technical skills, we value scientific curiosity, creativity, perseverance, independence, and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring new ideas and technologies.

Why Join Our Lab?

You will have the opportunity to develop innovative research ideas, learn advanced techniques, contribute to scientific publications, and grow as an independent researcher in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a brief statement of research interests for an initial interview.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be fully admitted to a graduate degree program; classified as a degree seeking graduate student, and meet the requirements of the graduate school. For some positions assigned to this class, special qualifications may be added to the minimum such as completion of a specified number of graduate credit hours or a master's degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD student

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.