OPS Laboratory Assistant

OPS-Sponsored Projects Non-Clerical

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related life science field.

This position is housed in the Department of Physical Therapy in the College of Public Health and Health Professions and the Biological Sciences Building. The incumbent will assist the Principal Investigator, Dr. Russell Hepple, in investigations concerning the impact of aging on skeletal muscle. Tasks include preparation of solutions and reagents used in experiments, rodent tissue harvest, preparation of muscle bundles, preparation of isolated mitochondria, and preparation of single muscle fibers. In addition, the incumbent will maintain equipment (pH meter, respirometers, fluorometer, cryostat, microscope, -80C freezer), order lab supplies and maintain records of inventory.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Assist with Laboratory Experiments

• Prepare lab reagents
• Perform tissue harvest from experimental animals
• Prepare muscle bundles and isolated mitochondria for mitochondrial function (respirometry, ROS emission, and Calcium Retention Capacity (CRC) assays)

Laboratory Upkeep

• General laboratory maintenance, including maintaining adequate lab supplies (keeping inventories, ordering), troubleshooting laboratory equipment, safety compliance, etc.
• Ensure cleanliness and functionality of surgical suite
• Prepare and autoclave surgical tools

Mouse Colony

• Keep records of mouse colonies and liaise with ACS staff for medical treatments
• Administer tamoxifen injections in transgenic mice

Equipment Maintenance

• Basic repairs and installations of equipment, calibration and required maintenance of respirometers, fluorometer and pH meter
• Other duties as necessary

$22.00 per hour

• 1-2 years prior lab experience
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (immunolabeling of tissue, qPCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation)

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references, including name, title, phone number and email address.

This is a part time position at 35 hours per week. Hours are expected to happen between normal business hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

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

If an accommodation is needed to apply for this position, please call 352/392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800/955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.