Laboratory Technician III

University Of Florida; Gainesville (FL); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida is seeking a Laboratory Technician III at the MD-BIOCHEM unit on the Main Campus in Gainesville. The role focuses on preparing samples for mass spectrometry imaging and operating MALDI MSI instrumentation, ensuring quality data and compliance with safety procedures.

Required is an Associate's degree with four years of related experience or a high school diploma with six years plus relevant coursework.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree with four years of related experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent with six years of related experience.
• Preferred BA/BS in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, biomedical science, or related field.
• Experience with MALDI MSI and Bruker platforms is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Bruker acquisition and processing software (timsControl, flexImaging, SCiLS Lab).
• Experience with automated matrix deposition systems or sublimation-based methods.
• Proficiency in cryosectioning using research-grade cryostats and tissue handling.
• Experience with LC-MS or other mass spectrometry workflows.
• Knowledge of biosafety and human specimen handling protocols.

Responsibilities

• Receive, track, and prepare biological samples for MSI analysis.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot MALDI MSI instrumentation.
• Maintain lab operations, inventory, documentation, and safety compliance.
• Coordinate sample logistics with collaborators and provide study updates.
• Train researchers and staff in lab procedures and policies.
• Develop and follow SOPs, maintain records, and assist data organization.
• Contribute to collaborative research initiatives and related duties.

Skills

MALDI MSI

TimsTOF fleX

Bruker timsControl

flexImaging

SCiLS Lab

HTX M5 Sprayer

Cryosectioning

H&E staining

LC-MS workflows

Education

Associate's degree

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MALDI mass spectrometry imaging

Bruker software

timsTOF fleX platform

HTX M5/M3+ Sprayer

Cryostats

Job description

Apply now Job no: 541152
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Veteran's Preference Eligible, Health Care Administration/Support
Department: 29030000 - MD-BIOCHEM - MOLECULAR BIOL

Classification Title:

Laboratory Technician III

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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receive, track, and prepare biological samples for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) analysis, including tissue sectioning, staining, and reagent preparation.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot MALDI mass spectrometry imaging instrumentation to support high-quality data acquisition.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including inventory management, equipment tracking, documentation, and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate sample logistics with internal and external research collaborators, providing project updates and technical support throughout the study lifecycle.
• Train and support researchers, trainees, and staff in laboratory procedures, equipment use, and shared-resource policies.
• Develop, update, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain accurate records, and assist with data organization and project coordination.
• Contribute to collaborative research initiatives and perform other duties in support of the Center's research mission.

This position works in a laboratory environment with routine exposure to chemical reagents, cryogenic materials, and biological specimens, including human tissue. The role requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to all applicable safety protocols. The position involves standing for extended periods, fine motor precision work, and occasional lifting of laboratory supplies and equipment. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to accommodate instrument run schedules or project deadlines.

$22/hr to $25/hr, commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

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

Preferred:

• hold a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, biomedical science, or a closely related field.
• have two or more years of hands‑on laboratory experience in a core facility, industry, or academic research setting.
• demonstrate experience with MALDI mass spectrometry imaging, particularly on Bruker timsTOF fleX platforms (including MALDI-2 post-ionization) or comparable MSI instrumentation.
• have familiarity with Bruker acquisition and processing software, including timsControl, flexImaging, and SCiLS Lab.
• have experience with automated matrix deposition systems, such as the HTX M5 or M3+ TM-Sprayer, or with sublimation-based matrix application.
• be proficient in cryosectioning using research-grade cryostats (e.g., Leica CM series), including work with fresh-frozen tissue and conductive ITO-coated slides.
• hold work experience with histological staining (H&E and related methods) and whole-slide or brightfield imaging for co‑registration with MSI data.
• have previously worked with LC‑MS or other mass spectrometry workflows.
• show familiarity with tissue handling under biosafety and human‑specimen protocols, including FFPE and fresh‑frozen material.

Additionally, the ideal candidate would have:

• experience maintaining laboratory records, SOPs, and inventory or ordering systems.
• demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize competing deadlines with minimal supervision.
• strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with faculty collaborators, trainees, external research partners, and vendors.
• prior experience in a core facility, shared resource, or other service‑oriented research environment, with a demonstrated customer‑service orientation toward internal and external users.
• experience coordinating sample logistics or project timelines across multiple institutions.
• experience training or mentoring graduate students, undergraduate mentors, or other junior laboratory personnel.
• basic computational literacy (file management, data organization, spreadsheet tools); familiarity with imaging or omics data formats is a plus.

This position is eligible for veterans' preference. If you are claiming veterans' preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See UF’s Veterans' Preference Page for more details.

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

Health Assessment Required:

Health Assessment Required: No

Advertised: 01 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 16 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.