Research Fellow - Orthopedic Surgery - Sammarco lab

Location: Rochester, MN, US, Remote

The Sammarco Laboratory in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a growing research program investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate bone and soft tissue regeneration. Our laboratory seeks to understand how fundamental cellular processes direct regenerative healing, with the long-term goal of translating these discoveries into therapies that improve musculoskeletal repair and functional recovery.

Our research integrates molecular biology, regenerative biology, and advanced imaging to investigate fundamental mechanisms of tissue regeneration. Current areas of investigation include cellular metabolism, mitochondrial homeostasis and remodeling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, sensory nerve regulation of bone regeneration, cellular senescence, and the molecular pathways that distinguish regenerative healing from fibrosis. Together, these studies aim to identify biological mechanisms that can be translated into innovative regenerative therapies.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary laboratory committed to scientific rigor, innovation, and discovery. We seek an intellectually curious scientist capable of leading independent research projects while contributing to the laboratorys broader scientific vision. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to develop innovative research, publish high-impact studies, compete for extramural funding, and prepare for a successful career as an independent investigator.

Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow is expected to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret complex molecular, cellular, imaging, and animal-based studies addressing fundamental questions in musculoskeletal regeneration. The fellow will develop scientific hypotheses, optimize and establish new experimental approaches, critically evaluate data and the literature, and identify new research directions that advance the laboratorys mission.

The fellow is expected to generate high-quality, reproducible data using advanced molecular biology, cell biology, histology, imaging, and mouse-based techniques. Additional responsibilities include analyzing complex datasets, preparing publication-quality figures, writing first-author manuscripts, contributing to fellowship and grant applications, and presenting research at laboratory meetings and regional, national, and international scientific conferences.

The fellow will contribute intellectually to the laboratorys research program by mentoring research staff and trainees, fostering scientific rigor and reproducibility, supporting collaborative projects, and helping shape the future direction of the laboratory.
 

Must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree. A Ph.D. in biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, developmental biology, regenerative biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications reflecting the ability to independently conduct rigorous research.

Candidates must possess extensive experience in molecular and cellular biology and demonstrate the ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot complex methodologies, and interpret findings within a broader biological context. Experience with mammalian cell culture, mouse models, histology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, quantitative image analysis, and advanced molecular techniques is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing publication-quality figures, writing scientific manuscripts, and presenting research to diverse scientific audiences. Experience writing fellowship applications or contributing to grant proposals is preferred.

Candidates should demonstrate scientific creativity, intellectual curiosity, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects. They must be highly self-motivated, capable of working independently within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment, and committed to the highest standards of scientific rigor, reproducibility, and integrity. Strong leadership and mentoring skills are expected.

Applications submitted without a cover letter describing research interests, career goals, and motivation for joining the laboratory will not be considered.