OPS Research Technician

University of West Florida; Pensacola (FL); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of West Florida in Pensacola seeks an OPS Research Technician to support an NIH-funded SuRE program in Biology. You will perform mammalian cell culture, isolate primary neutrophils, and conduct cell-based assays as well as RT-qPCR and flow cytometry under the PI's supervision.

You will help collect and analyze data, maintain records, and assist in mentoring undergraduate researchers. This is an exempt, hourly, 1-year contract with normal lab duties and grant reporting

Qualifications

• Prior research experience
• Excellent attention to detail
• Demonstrated organization and communication skills
• Ability to perform experiments with accuracy (training will be provided)
• BS degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other related discipline

Responsibilities

• Perform and maintain routine mammalian cell culture
• Assist with isolation and handling of primary human neutrophils under IRB-approved protocols
• Perform cell-based functional assays and molecular assays (RT-qPCR, flow cytometry)
• Assist in data collection, organization, and analysis of experimental results
• Maintain accurate lab records, notebooks, and data files per standards
• Assist with preparation of reagents, stock solutions, and media per SOPs
• Support training and supervision of undergraduate student researchers
• Assist in developing and evaluating lab materials, protocols, and training documentation
• Assist faculty with reports, presentations, and grant materials
• Participate in lab meetings and communicate with project stakeholders
• Assist with specialized administrative and technical duties related to the project

Skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Communication skills

Laboratory skills

Cell culture

Education

BS degree in Biology or Chemistry

Tools

RT-qPCR

Flow cytometry

Job description

POSITION DETAILS

Employment based visa sponsorship will NOT be considered for this position.

Classification Title:Technical and Paraprofessional
Working Title: OPS Research Technician

Department:Biology
FLSA Status:Exempt
Salary Range:$20.00
Pay Basis:Hourly

POSITION OVERVIEW

JOB SUMMARY:

The OPS Research Technician provides professional-level research support for an NIH-funded (R16 SuRE) research program in the Department of Biology investigating dopamine's role in regulating human neutrophil inflammatory responses. Working under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Technician will assist with cell culture, primary human neutrophil isolation, and cell-based functional assays (adhesion, chemotaxis, degranulation, and respiratory burst) as well as molecular techniques such as RT-qPCR and flow cytometry. The position also supports data collection, organization, and reporting, and may include mentoring or coordinating undergraduate student researchers within the lab.

Responsibilities:

• Performs and maintains routine mammalian cell culture, including the HL-60 neutrophil-like cell line, following established lab protocols
• Assists with isolation and handling of primary human neutrophils from healthy volunteer donors under IRB-approved protocols
• Performs cell-based functional assays (adhesion, chemotaxis, degranulation, respiratory burst) and molecular assays (RT-qPCR, flow cytometry) in response to inflammatory stimuli and dopamine receptor agonists
• Assists in the collection, organization, and analysis of experimental data and research findings
• Maintains accurate laboratory records, notebooks, and data files in accordance with lab and grant reporting standards
• Assists with preparation of reagents, stock solutions, and media following established SOPs
• Supports training, coordination, and supervision of undergraduate student researchers assisting with data collection
• Assists in the development and evaluation of laboratory materials, protocols, and training documentation
• Assists faculty with preparation of reports, presentations, and materials associated with the research grant
• Participates in lab meetings and communicates with project stakeholders as needed
• Assists with specialized administrative and technical duties connected to the research project

Minimum Qualifications:

• Prior research experience
• Excellent attention to detail
• Demonstrated organization and communication skills
• Ability to perform experiments with accuracy (training will be provided)
• BS degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other related discipline

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior research experience
• Excellent attention to detail
• Demonstrated organization and communication skills
• Ability to perform experiments with accuracy (training will be provided)
• BS degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other related discipline

Preferred Qualifications:

• A record of prior research, including research publications or conference poster presentations

• Physical Requirements: Occasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., but none to the point of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards where likely results would be cuts, bruises, etc.
• Impact of Deadlines:Routine deadlines. Usually sufficient lead time. Variance in work volume, seasonal, and predictable. Priorities can be anticipated. Some interruptions are present. Involves occasional exposure to demands/pressures from persons other than immediate sup.
• Standing: Daily
• Walking:Daily
• Sitting:Daily
• Reaching with hands and arms:Daily
• Climbing or balancing:Occasionally
• Stooping:Occasionally
• Use of hands to handle objects:Daily
• Lifting up to 10lbs:Occasionally
• Lifting up to 25lbs:Occasionally
• Lifting over 25lbs:Occasionally
• Talking as express or exchange of ideas verbally:Daily
• Hearing as perceive sound by ear:Daily
• Vision as distinguish colors & depth:Daily

Special Requirements or Considerations of the Job:

• This position requires a criminal background screening.

ADDITIONAL POSTING DETAILS

• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Work Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Contract Period: 1 year
• FTE:0.0
• Preferred Response Date:09/25/2026