The University of South Florida, Morsani College of Internal Medicine, Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation is seeking an Advanced Research Scientist with strong expertise in microbiology, molecular and cellular biology and experience working with animal models. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting ongoing research projects by performing routine laboratory tasks, assisting with experiments and managing laboratory supplies and orders. Once hired, the Research Assistant or Lab Research Specialist will be required to obtain certifications in occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials, and animal research protocols, specifically for work involving mice.
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
The Advanced Research Scientist Performs a variety of lab and/or field experiments which require competency with standard and more advanced scientific techniques and equipment in disciplines such as molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, physiology, and pathology/microscopy.
Nature of Work: Performs a variety of lab and/or field experiments which require competency with standard and more advanced scientific techniques and equipment in disciplines such as molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, physiology, and pathology/microscopy. Work also includes contribution to design, execution, and troubleshooting of experiments.
Modifications to the methods is expected to be based on familiarity with the essential underlying principles and are made in a semi-autonomous manner. The individual may act as a laboratory expert in certain specialized techniques, such as physiologic, molecular, genomic, or microscopic methods. Analysis of results may rise to a greater level than Research Scientist.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
- At least two (2) years of experience in a laboratory setting, with hands-on expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques, and animal models.
- Proficiency with basic laboratory equipment and software (i.e. Microsoft Office, GraphPad Prism, ImageJ, etc)
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 post-secondary 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.
Working at USF\n
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 \n
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\n
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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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.
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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.
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Equal Employment Opportunity\n
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.
- Work on projects in the field of virology and microbiology, in particular the interactions between viral or bacterial proteins and eukaryotic cells and their resulting effects on cellular functions.
- Generate data over a wide range of biochemical experiments and compile and analyze them using various relevant computer software applications. The experiments and data collection will be under the supervision of senior researchers, ensuring accuracy and adherence to protocols.
- Perform routine molecular and cellular biology techniques, including but not limited to protein assays, Western blotting, immunostaining, tissue culture, transfection, RNA/DNA/protein isolation, plasmid construction, transformation, microscopy, flow cytometry and image analysis.
- Assist in animal handling, genotyping, breeding, injections, tissues collection and processing, and monitoring experimental subjects.
- Perform general laboratory duties, such as autoclaving, preparing chemical solutions, media, reagents, and buffers.
- Manage laboratory supplies, including ordering reagents, consumables, and equipment as needed to ensure uninterrupted workflow.
- Maintain detailed and organized laboratory records, including experimental data and inventory logs to assist in the preparation of reports, presentations and manuscripts as needed
- Excellent communication skills are required
- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and institutional guidelines, including proper waste disposal and handling of hazardous materials.
- Ability to work both independently, to perform and troubleshoot experiments, and as part of a team to participate in the design of research studies
- Perform other duties as assigned