The Department of Physical Therapy in the College of Public Health and Health Professions at the University of Florida is seeking an OPS Research Technician to support Dr. Russell Hepple's research focused on the effects of aging on skeletal muscle. Primary tasks include immunofluorescent (IF) labeling of skeletal muscle cross-sections, confocal imaging of IF labeled slides, image analysis, and maintenance of data records for the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA). The incumbent in this role will also prepare solutions and reagents used in experiments, assist with tissue collection, maintain equipment (e.g., pH meter, respirometers, fluorometer, cryostat, microscope, -80C freezer), order lab supplies, maintain EHS and LATCH inventories, as well as inventory records.

Responsibilities include assisting with:

Laboratory Experiments

• Immunofluorescent (IF) labeling.
• Imaging and image analysis of Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging (SOMMA) muscle cross sections.
• Preparing lab reagents.
• Cryosectioning.
• Rodent anesthesia and tissue harvesting from experimental animals.

Laboratory Maintenance

• General laboratory upkeep.
• Maintaining adequate lab supplies (keeping inventories, ordering).
• Troubleshooting laboratory equipment.
• Safety compliance.
• Ensure cleanliness and functionality of surgical suite.
• Prepare and autoclave surgical tools.

Rodent Colonies 

• Liaising with Animal Care Services (ACS) staff for medical treatments.
• Administering raloxifene injections in transgenic mice.

Equipment Maintenance 

• Basic repairs and installations of equipment.
• Calibration and required maintenance of respirometers, fluorometer and pH meter.

$20.00 - $30.00 per hour; commensurate with qualifications and experience.  

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related life science field and one year of prior laboratory research experience. 

Experience with immunofluorescent (IF) labeling is preferred.

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

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.