Research Scientist at University of… · Location…

The Research Scientist will help with ongoing research investigation in PI’s lab on the following areas. 

• Executes and adapts laboratory research protocols involving biological materials, employing techniques such as mammalian tissue cultures and histology. Proficient in sterile techniques, the preparation of slides using staining methods, and the execution of assays for proteins (including western blotting), RNA, DNA, and other cellular components.
• Responsible for the care and handling of laboratory animals, including performing standardized experimental protocols, in vivo procedures, surgical preparation, and post-operative care, as well as animal breeding, tissue collection, and genotyping. 
• Maintains meticulous records detailing the processes and results of laboratory analyses, potentially inputting data into databases. Also, adept at creating graphs, charts, and tables to illustrate experimental findings, ensuring their inclusion in presentations and publications.
• Manages the upkeep of laboratory equipment, coordinates repairs as needed, oversees the ordering and inventory of laboratory supplies, calibrates instruments, and ensures compliance with lab safety standards, SOP records, and cleanliness protocols. Additionally, responsible for reagent preparation, autoclaving, and ensuring the availability of necessary standard supplies and reagents for experiments.
• Collaborates closely with the principal investigator, lab manager, students, and fellow lab members to support the successful execution of research projects, aiding in tasks such as report and publication preparation under the guidance of the principal investigator.
• Available for weekend experimental procedures as required, and fulfills additional assigned duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical or medical science.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Have a master’s degree in the areas of Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacy, Life Science etc. and should have prior knowledge & experience about Cell culture, Molecular Biology, lab maintenance, handling mice and conducting animal experiments. 

Working at USF

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.

About USF 

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.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.