Job Description

The Currier Thomas Neurotrauma Laboratory at the University of South Florida is seeking a highly organized, adaptable, and motivated Research Scientist to support both laboratory operations and active neuroscience research projects.

The positions will play a central role in running molecular, histological, behavioral, and electrochemical studies as well as maintaining laboratory efficiency, equipment maintenance, and cross-training on shared equipment. Responsibilities will vary based on ongoing projects and laboratory needs, requiring flexibility, initiative, strong organizational skills, and a willingness to learn diverse techniques. A minimum two-year commitment is strongly preferred due to the extensive training involved.

This role is ideal for candidates interested in gaining experience in translational neuroscience research while contributing to a fast-paced, high-accountability team environment.

Time-Limited. Grant Funded. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

• Independently conduct and optimize molecular, histological, behavioral, and electrochemical experiments
• Assist with experimental design, protocol development, troubleshooting, and data interpretation
• Support rodent surgeries, behavioral testing, and post-operative monitoring
• Maintain accurate scientific records, sample tracking, and data organization
• Assist with manuscript preparation, figure generation, presentations, and grant-related activities
• Coordinate laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, inventory, and shared resource management
• Cross-train personnel on laboratory techniques and shared equipment
• Contribute to overall laboratory organization, project coordination, and scientific productivity

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical or medical science.

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

• Master’s degree or PhD in neuroscience, biology, psychology, biomedical sciences, or related field preferred
• 2+ years of research experience in academic, clinical, or translational neuroscience research preferred
• Experience independently conducting molecular, histological, behavioral, and/or electrochemical experiments
• Experience with experimental design, troubleshooting, data analysis, and scientific documentation
• Prior experience with rodent surgery, behavioral testing, microscopy, molecular techniques, or electrophysiology/electrochemistry preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and work independently
• Experience contributing to manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, or grant-related activities preferred
• Familiarity with scientific software, data management, and laboratory regulatory compliance
• Strong written/verbal communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Highly dependable, adaptable, detail-oriented, and capable of functioning in a fast-paced research environment

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.