Biological Scientist II - Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Classification Title:

Biological Scientist II

Job Description:

The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics is seeking candidates with extension experience in histology, protein chemistry, and animal husbandry for a Biological Scientist II position. This position is responsible for independently contributing to the design and execution of multiple research experiments investigating treatments for muscular dystrophy.

Responsibilities to include:

Histology and Protein Chemistry
Plans, modifies and conducts advanced research projects primarily involving histology of muscle tissues, immunofluorescence, and light microscopy. Performs recombinant DNA techniques including isolation and purification of plasmid DNA and genomic DNA, restriction enzymatic analysis of DNA, PCR, qPCR, bacterial transformations, agarose gel electrophoresis, and transformation; Protein Biochemistry including SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting and ELISA.

Animal Husbandry, Laboratory and Experiment Preparation
Day-to-day mouse husbandry that will include weaning mice, feeding experimental diets, and providing therapeutic treatments to research animals that are enrolled in ongoing studies. Must maintain detailed records of experimental data collected from multiple projects as well as updating an extensive mouse inventory. Other tasks include preparing solutions used for physiologic experiments and miscellaneous tasks associated with the function of the laboratory.

Muscle Function Testing
Ex-vivo and in vivo muscle function testing in various muscles and mouse models accompanied by tissue preparation for histological and biochemical analysis. This requires good hand eye coordination under a low power dissection microscope. Training will be provided.

Research Project Coordination, Scientific Writing and Dissemination

Serves a liaison between Principal Investigator (PI)/Director, lab staff, and collaborators within the University of Florida (UF) as well as external to UF. Coordinates special studies or projects as directed; responsible for coordinating activities of all ongoing research projects. Responsible for the complete understanding and compliance with all required laboratory regulations such as Animal Care Services (ACS), Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC), UF, State and Federal guidelines. Maintains accurate records and legal documentation required by institutional policies such as biological, chemical, and radiation safety policies. Manages ordering process to ensure efficient and cost-effective use of grant funding; maintain lab supply inventory to ensure supplies are available for scheduled research projects; researches and evaluates new products, compares and negotiates vendor prices.

Analyzes data and assemble results for scientific publications, grants, and conference presentations; assist in preparing data for scientific manuscripts, abstracts, grants, and other documents; manage accurate and complete laboratory research records and prepares daily written reports of experimental results; assists laboratory research with searches for and review of scientific literature relevant to the research focus of the laboratory. Aids in the development of new research and laboratory protocols.

Expected Salary:

$44,700 - $46,000

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree in biology or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; Doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications: Extensive experience with histology, protein chemistry, and animal husband Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume and references.

The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

This is a time-limited position.

This requisition has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not apply.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: Yes