Job Description

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

The Department of Molecular Bioscience (MBS) is a premier department at the University of South Florida (USF) undertaking world-class biomedical research and teaching within the following research themes: Bacterial Pathogenesis, Genome Integrity, Molecular Biophysics and Systems Biology, Biomedical Science, and STEM Education.

Supported by millions of dollars in external funding, our faculty and students pursue scientific knowledge through rigorous research programs. The insights gained from these studies are shared through publications, oral and poster presentations, and classroom activities. We view our research as an integral part of our teaching mission, allowing students to fully grasp the challenges and methodologies of biomedical sciences.

The Department of Molecular Biosciences is responsible for the education of undergraduate and graduate students in core cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and microbiology topics, as well as more specialized areas that require detailed knowledge of these subjects. To accomplish this mission, MBS offers curricula that will lead to Bachelor of Science degrees in Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Master of Science degrees in Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Cell and Molecular Biology.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Florida is a diverse, research active community of scholars, teachers, creators, and learners who believe that ideas should live both in the classroom and in the world. We bring together the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to tackle real problems through learning that involves doing, including fieldwork on Florida’s coast, work in laboratories, data-focused projects, and storytelling across digital and traditional media. Our faculty are nationally recognized researchers and dedicated mentors who open doors to significant opportunities such as undergraduate research, internships, fellowships, and global experiences. We are especially proud of our vibrant humanities and social sciences, where students connect big questions to real careers through funded experiential learning and projects that engage the community. Rooted in Tampa Bay and connected to global conversations, we see our campus as a living laboratory for studying the environment, society, culture, and technology, and we invite colleagues who share this spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and innovation focused on students to join us.

This position conducts laboratory research studies in disciplines related to cell, molecular, and microbiology and will report to the MBS Shared Facility faculty, advisory committee, or faculty director. The work includes broad latitude to design research under the direction of MBS principal investigators. Work typically involves design and oversight of laboratory experiments that utilize the shared equipment in the MBS Shared Facility, training of relevant MBS personnel (students, staff, etc.), analysis and interpretation of research findings, as well as development/implementation of cutting-edge approaches that support the MBS research themes.

Scientific and Technical Leadership – 30%

Conduct and support advanced laboratory research in cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biophysics, and related disciplines in support of research conducted by MBS faculty and principal investigators.

• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret laboratory experiments using the instrumentation, technologies, and resources available within the MBS Shared Facility.
• Develop, evaluate, optimize, and implement experimental approaches, methodologies, and emerging technologies that advance MBS research priorities and support faculty research themes.
• Troubleshoot complex experimental designs, methodologies, instrumentation-related challenges, and technical problems to improve research outcomes and reliability.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and research staff on experimental planning, research implementation, data interpretation, and the application of specialized laboratory techniques.
• Contribute technical expertise, experimental data, and scientific interpretation to research publications, technical reports, grant applications, and other scholarly activities, including co-authorship when appropriate.

Shared Facility Operations – 30%

Oversee the operation, maintenance, performance, and continued development of shared research instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and supporting infrastructure within the MBS Shared Facility and more broadly across the department.

• Operate, maintain, and oversee shared instrumentation, including confocal microscopes, flow cytometers, ultracentrifuges, tissue culture equipment, fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) systems, and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) sample-preparation and data-processing platforms.
• Coordinate the integration, implementation, and operational readiness of newly acquired equipment, software, and associated technologies.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and technical issues; coordinate servicing, repairs, software updates, and upgrades to maintain instrument performance, reliability, and availability.
• Assess equipment condition and performance, identify maintenance and replacement priorities, and communicate infrastructure needs and resource requirements to the faculty director and advisory committee.
• Develop, maintain, and periodically update standard operating procedures (SOPs), equipment-use guidelines, and procedures for reporting malfunctions, managing downtime, and communicating service interruptions.
• Operate and maintain auxiliary equipment and common equipment rooms, and prepare chemical solutions and other materials required for sample preparation and facility operations.
• Coordinate the procurement and availability of supplies, chemicals, accessories, and other materials necessary for the effective operation of shared instrumentation and laboratory resources.

User Training and Research Support – 20%

Provide technical guidance, training, and ongoing support to faculty, students, and research personnel to promote the safe, effective, and appropriate use of shared-facility equipment and technologies.

• Develop and deliver equipment-specific training and provide guidance on instrument operation, laboratory procedures, sample preparation, and applicable SOPs.
• Assist users with experimental design, selection of appropriate methodologies, research implementation, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Diagnose and resolve user-related technical challenges involving instrumentation, experimental procedures, and research workflows.
• Advise faculty and research teams on the application of facility technologies and capabilities to meet specific research objectives.
• Promote effective use of shared resources by providing technical consultation and facilitating access to appropriate instrumentation and specialized methodologies.

Shared Facility Administration and Financial Management – 15%

Coordinate the administrative, operational, procurement, and financial activities of the MBS Shared Facility to ensure efficient resource utilization, equitable access, accurate financial management, and long-term operational sustainability.

• Administer equipment scheduling, user authorization, service requests, utilization tracking, and facility records through USF-approved core-facility management systems, as applicable.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and periodic review of user fees and service rates in accordance with applicable USF policies and federal cost-accounting requirements.
• Collaborate with fiscal and administrative personnel to ensure accurate and timely billing, invoicing, revenue tracking, and reconciliation of facility charges.
• Assist in preparing annual operating budgets and financial forecasts; monitor expenditures, revenues, operating costs, equipment utilization, and cost recovery to support resource allocation and financial sustainability.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment utilization, maintenance, service requests, purchases, inventory, billing, and other administrative and financial transactions.
• Provide equipment specifications, technical justifications, utilization data, and cost estimates for internal funding requests, external grant proposals, and facility-development initiatives.

Strategic Development and Research Growth – 5%

Advance the MBS Shared Facility’s research capabilities through technology assessment, infrastructure development, strategic collaboration, and alignment with evolving faculty research priorities.

• Monitor emerging technologies, instrumentation, and methodologies relevant to cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biophysics, and other MBS research areas.
• Collaborate with the faculty director and advisory committee to evaluate, prioritize, and implement new technologies and research capabilities that address current and anticipated faculty needs.
• Assess existing facility resources and coordinate with other USF core facilities to identify complementary capabilities, minimize unnecessary duplication, and expand access to specialized technologies.
• Identify opportunities for facility enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and expanded research support aligned with MBS research clusters and institutional priorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires a Master's degree in a natural science related to the specific area of research and two years of research experience. Doctoral study in a directly related field may substitute for the required experience. There is no substitution of experience allowed for the Master's degree, as that is a mandatory qualification for positions assigned to this job class.

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Extensive research lab experience is required. Hands-on experience with confocal and IF microscopy, maintenance of FPLC, cryo-EM grid preparation platform, and cell culture platforms, as well as general molecular biology techniques, is strongly preferred.

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 and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. 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 $750 million in research funding in 2025 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 nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

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.