Biological Scientist II

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves planning, designing, conducting, and modifying advanced research projects primarily involving RNA-scope of neurons and wide-field microscopy. The role requires searching scientific literature to refine procedures, performing recombinant DNA techniques, and protein biochemistry. The Biological Scientist II will also design and perform research experiments investigating mechanisms of action of channel-interfering compounds in rodent nociceptors, including mammalian cell transfections and culture, confocal and wide-field microscopy. This role acts as a liaison between the PI/Director, lab staff, and collaborators, coordinates research projects, assists with laboratory coordination and equipment maintenance, and supports the training of junior personnel. The position requires ensuring compliance with laboratory regulations, maintaining accurate records, and supporting the ordering process for grant funding. Additionally, the role involves analyzing data, contributing to scientific publications and presentations, developing and troubleshooting new protocols, and engaging in continuous learning. The position may include supervisory responsibility for Biological Scientist I staff, technicians, and student assistants.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience or Master's degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience.
Recombinant DNA techniques, including isolation and purification of plasmid DNA, restriction enzymatic analysis of DNA, PCR, qPCR, bacterial transformations, agarose gel electrophoresis, and transformation.
Protein Biochemistry, including SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting and ELISA.
Mammalian cell transfections.
Mammalian cell culture techniques.
Confocal and wide-field microscopy.
Maintain accurate records and legal documentation in line with institutional policies, such as biological and chemical safety policies.
Support the ordering process to promote efficient and cost-effective use of grant funding.
Maintain lab supply inventory for scheduled research projects.
Analyze data using appropriate statistical models.
Assemble results for scientific publications, grants, and conference presentations.
Contribute to research papers, reports, and scholarly articles.
Manage accurate and complete laboratory research records and prepare written reports of experimental results.
Conduct searches for and review of scientific literature relevant to the research focus of the laboratory.
Develop and troubleshoot new research and laboratory protocols.
Engage in continuous learning and adjust to evolving research needs.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience with RNA scope, protein chemistry, and sterile cell culture of mammalian cells.
Demonstrated ability to modify, implement, and troubleshoot experimental protocols with minimal supervision.
Experience analyzing experimental data with statistical models.
Experience training or overseeing junior laboratory personnel.

Responsibilities

Plan, design, conduct, and modify advanced research projects primarily involving RNA-scope of neurons and wide-field microscopy.
Search scientific literature to refine procedures in line with research objectives.
Perform recombinant DNA techniques, including isolation and purification of plasmid DNA, restriction enzymatic analysis of DNA, PCR, qPCR, bacterial transformations, agarose gel electrophoresis, and transformation.
Perform Protein Biochemistry, including SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting and ELISA.
Conduct all research in line with quality and safety standards.
Design and perform research experiments investigating mechanisms of action of channel-interfering compounds in rodent nociceptors, including the study of live specimens under controlled laboratory conditions.
Perform mammalian cell transfections and mammalian cell culture techniques, confocal and wide-field microscopy.
Modify computational and analytical techniques as needed to meet research objectives.
Act as a liaison between the PI/Director, lab staff, and collaborators within UF and externally.
Coordinate activities for ongoing government- and privately funded research projects and assist with special studies or projects as assigned.
Assist in laboratory coordination and equipment maintenance.
Support the training of junior laboratory personnel and students.
Ensure understanding of and compliance with required laboratory regulations, including ACS, EH&S, IACUC, UF, State, and Federal guidelines.
Maintain accurate records and legal documentation in line with institutional policies, such as biological and chemical safety policies.
Support the ordering process to promote efficient and cost-effective use of grant funding.
Maintain lab supply inventory for scheduled research projects, and assist with researching products and comparing vendor prices.
Analyze data using appropriate statistical models and adjust research designs based on findings.
Assemble results for scientific publications, grants, and conference presentations.
Contribute to research papers, reports, and scholarly articles.
Manage accurate and complete laboratory research records and prepare written reports of experimental results.
Conduct searches for and review of scientific literature relevant to the research focus of the laboratory.
Develop and troubleshoot new research and laboratory protocols.
Engage in continuous learning and adjust to evolving research needs.
Works with a degree of independence under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator, following standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the biological field; seeking guidance from the Principal Investigator for complex issues.
May supervise and train Biological Scientist I staff, OPS laboratory technicians, and student assistants as assigned.