Job Description

This position provides logistic and technical support for labs associated with the College of Arts and Science's chemistry, biology, ecology, genetics and microbiology courses. The Laboratory Specialist works directly with all science faculty and staff associated with laboratories to facilitate lab instruction.

This position reports to the Laboratory Manager in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Preparation and breakdown of lab experiments for a variety of upper-level biology and
chemistry courses.

Assists in the control and inventory of lab supplies, chemicals and equipment.

Assists in the checkout and tracking of shared resources.

Assists in training and supporting student assistants.

Assists in organizing, testing and updating safety information and equipment for access by students and instructors.

Prepares and labels lab materials and wastes for stoarage and disposal as needed, in compliance with University guidelines and regulations.

Assists in maintaining current training records and other office duties.

Assists with other job-related duties and special projects such as outreach.

Minimum Qualifications: Associate's degree with 30 semester hours in lab sciences or a Bachelor's Degree in Science area

• Knowledge of general principles of chemistry, microbiology, biology, physiology and ecology
• Familiarity of the principles and requirements of supporting science laboratory instruction.
• Ability to work both independently and interdependently in a rapidly evolving setting.
• Demonstrated proficiency in general laboratory skills.
• Understanding of safety aspects of chemicals, equipment, and procedures used in science labs.
• Analytical skills sufficient to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet both short-term and long-term deadlines.
• Capability to maintain, troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in biology or other life science.

• Demonstrated proficiency in laboratory skills associated with all areas covered by this position.
• Experience as a laboratory technician where duties included direct responsibility for preparing labs for college courses in biology, chemistry, microbiology and molecular biology.
• Experience in maintaining live plants, bacterial cultures and aquaria.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation, electronics and common software used in college science courses
• Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
  • SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
  • A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
  • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
  • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
  • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
  • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
  • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
  • Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
  • Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.