Laboratory Technician II

The Bortolato Lab in the Department of Pharmacodynamics at the University of Florida's College of Pharmacy is dedicated to exploring the neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, with a particular focus on aggression, depression, and Tourette syndrome. Our research combines behavioral and molecular neuroscience, as well as pharmacology, to develop innovative therapeutic strategies.
We are currently seeking a motivated laboratory technician to support our research efforts. Primary responsibilities will include conducting behavioral studies with mice and rats, and potentially incorporating Zebrafish models, along with a variety of wet lab tasks such as immunostaining, western blotting, ELISA, PCR/qPCR, flow cytometry, and cell culture. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the inflammation pathway, with a particular emphasis on TNF, ChemR23, and XIAP. This position offers an excellent opportunity for those eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in an exciting and dynamic laboratory environment. Experience with animal handling and laboratory techniques is required.

Job Duties Include:

Animal (mouse and rat) behavioral studies:
- Independently perform behavioral studies on mice and rats,
- Independently provide animal care in line with IACUC requirement
- Independently perform drug administration to mice and rats (included, but not limited to IP injections, IV injections, SQ injections, and oral gavage)
- Good knowledge of animal anatomy
- Monitor and maintain accurate records of animal experiments in line with IACUC and NIH requirements

Wet-lab responsibilities:
- Independently perform in vitro experiment and maintenance of cell lines (immortalized or primary)
- Independently perform protein analysis (by flow cytometry, Western blot, immunostaining, and/or ELISA
- Independently perform RNA analyses by qPCR
- Independently perform DNA analyses by PCR
- Independently collect and process for downstream analyses animal sample, for example fresh-frozen samples with cryostat or FFPE samples with microtome
- Independently support (when needed) the daily operations of the rodent animal colony, including tasks related to breeding, weaning, and genotyping.

General lab maintenance
- Support in maintaining a safe and clean environment according to EH&S regulations
- Support in keeping an updated chemical/drug/antibody list.

The University of Florida College of Pharmacy values the benefit of having a team that consists of diverse talents, skills, strengths, points of view and experiences. The college is committed to cultivating an environment where everyone is respected for their intrinsic value, and developing the next generation of clinicians and scientists who will positively impact the health of others. We’re committed to creating a working environment where everyone can be heard and recognized for their contributions. In recognition of such efforts, the College of Pharmacy is the 3-time recipient of the Insight into Diversity Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award.

$18.68 - $21.55 per hour

Associate’s degree in an appropriate area and two years of related experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and four years of related experience. Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant area, from a recognized university with or without subsequent relevant work experience OR an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• At least five years of documented experience in animal work and wet-lab.
• Ability to solve problems through the standard application of theoretical principles and techniques at a degree level.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills including capacity to communicate with individuals at all levels in the organization experience and an ability to effectively analyses information and produce clear, succinct reports and documents.
• Planning and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and set and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated level of computer literacy and proficiency in the production of high-level work using software such as Microsoft Office applications (in particular Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and specified University software programs, with the capability and willingness to learn new packages as appropriate.
• A demonstrated awareness of the principles of confidentiality, privacy and information handling.
• Strong background in the inflammation pathway, with a particular emphasis on TNF, ChemR23, and XIAP.

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

As a part of our review for research and research support positions, we look for a full CV which includes all professional appointments/engagements, all post-secondary education, and all publications from post-secondary education and all respective dates. Please be sure to not use acronyms in your CV. This CV should include names of entities associated with any projects.

This position is in-person and is not eligible for remote work.

This is a time-limited position.

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