Biological Scientist II

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Neuroscience and the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida is seeking applications for a Biological Scientist II in the laboratory of Dr. Ziyuan Guo. The Guo Laboratory focuses on human stem cell biology, 3D brain and barrier organoid/assembloid modeling, microfluidic platforms, and molecular/epitranscriptomic mechanisms of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. The incumbent will work closely with the PI and laboratory personnel to conduct research, assist with experimental design and multi-omic data analytics, oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, and mentor student research 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.

Nice To Haves

• Direct hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture (hiPSC/hESC culture experience is highly preferred).
• Experience with 3D tissue culture, organoids, microfluidic/organ-on-a-chip platforms, or tissue sectioning and immunofluorescence staining.
• Technical proficiency in molecular biology workflows (qPCR, molecular cloning, Western blot, CRISPR editing).
• Familiarity with computational data analysis tools in R, Python, or MATLAB.
• Demonstrated desire to learn new neuroscience and stem cell engineering techniques.
• Excellent organizational, record-keeping, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture, maintenance, and directed differentiations of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into neural and vascular lineages.
• Generate and maintain 3D brain organoids, blood-brain barrier (BBB) / blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) assembloids, and organ-on-a-chip platforms.
• Execute molecular protocols including qPCR, DNA/RNA extractions, molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 manipulations, Western blotting, tissue sectioning (cryostat/vibratome), immunofluorescence staining, and confocal microscopy.
• Collaborate with the PI to design, optimize, and execute experimental protocols.
• Perform quantitative data analysis, image quantification, and statistical analysis.
• Organize, curate, and maintain large data repositories (including single-cell transcriptomic, genomic, and imaging datasets) required for manuscript preparation.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory ordering of supplies and reagents, record keeping, and inventory tracking via UF purchasing portals.
• Maintain stem cell culture suites, biosafety cabinets, incubators, and common reagent stocks.
• Maintain active safety logs, equipment certifications, and compliance documentation under EH&S, IBC, and IRB/SCRO guidelines.
• Assist with literature searches, figure preparation, and scientific progress summaries for grant applications and manuscripts.
• Assist with onboarding new lab personnel and teaching fundamental stem cell and molecular biology skills to undergraduate research assistants.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level