Research Assistant I

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida in Gainesville is seeking a Research Assistant I to support Dr. Shannon Wallet's lab in the College of Dentistry.

Under general supervision, you will perform a variety of standard laboratory assays and assist with data collection for two ongoing projects on immune dysfunction after burn and radiation injury. The role involves processing human samples and mouse work, maintaining data repositories and SOP compliance with IRB/IACUC protocols, and helping manage lab supplies

Qualifications

• High school diploma and one year of experience in a research/clinical lab.
• Appropriate college coursework or vocational training may substitute for the required experience.
• Experience with regulatory entities and animal handling is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Technical performance of assays and lab procedures as needed (immunological, molecular biology, protein assays, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, microscopy).
• Work with murine models of burn, smoke inhalation, and radiation injury and maintain mouse colonies with accurate records.
• Process human samples and maintain a sample repository and data databases using LDMS, EPIC, and RedCap.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations (NIH, EHS, IACUC, IRB) under supervision.
• Maintain lab supplies and instrument readiness.

Skills

Flow cytometry

Immunohistochemistry

Molecular biology

Microscopy

Education

High school diploma

Tools

LDMS

EPIC

RedCap

Job description

Research Assistant I

Job No: 541366

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Dentistry

Department: 34030000 - DN-ORAL BIOLOGY

Classification Title

Research Assistant I

Classification Minimum Requirements

A high school diploma and one year of experience working in a research or clinical laboratory. Appropriate college course work or vocational/ technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Job Description

This position is needed as a foundation for the established research program of Dr. Shannon Wallet, PhD in the Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry. In particular this position will serve as a research assistant and as such, under general supervision will perform a variety of scientific tasks and independently conduct a wide array of standard laboratory assays. Dr.Wallet's research program has two major areas of investigation currently ongoing supported by extramural funding and/or intramural startup funds: immune dysfunction after burn and radiation injury and modulation of immune responses with biomedical engineering. This position will be required to perform some if not all of the following assays as needed: processing of human samples, (peripheral blood, saliva, and bronchial alveolar lavage), mouse handling, manipulation and tissue harvesting, immunological assays (e.g. Luminex), molecular biology assays (e.g. nanoString), protein assays (e.g. western blot), immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and microscopy. This position will be expected to follow standard operating procedures (SOP) and associated environmental health and safety (EHS), human institutional review board (IRB) and institutional animal care use committee (IACUC) protocols and thus ensure compliance with federal regulations within the laboratory (e.g. DEA, NIH, EHS, IACUC, IRB). In addition, this position will contribute to the maintenance of a sample repository and experimental data databases under the supervision of a Laboratory Manager and Principal Investigator.

• Technical performance of assays as needed, including but not limited to immunological assays, molecular biology assays, protein assays, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, & microscopy 40%.
• Experimentation with murine models of burn, smoke inhalation, and/or radiation injury including mouse handling, manipulation, tissue harvesting, and accurate record keeping of mouse colonies. 25%
• Processing of human samples, (peripheral blood, saliva, bronchial alveolar lavage) and maintenance of a sample repository and experimental data databases using laboratory data management systems (LDMS), EPIC, and RedCap. 20%.
• Under supervision of Laboratory Manager and/or the principal investigator ensure compliance with federal regulations within the laboratory (e.g. NIH, EHS, IACUC, IRB). 5%
• Other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Manager, including maintenance of laboratory supplies stock, and instrument maintenance. 10%

Expected Salary

$16.76 - $22.99 per hour, commensurate with experience

Benefits

• State Health plans
• Dental plans to fit you and your family's needs
• Vision
• Domestic partner coverage through GatorCare
• Optional plans such as life, disability, legal and accident insurance
• Competitive pension plans, investment accounts and a host of voluntary add-ons, such as 457 deferred compensation and 403(b) plans
• Leave programs including vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, personal leave days, and family medical leave
• Paid family leave, eight full weeks of leave over a 24-month period
• GatorPerks discount program, which provides big savings at various businesses and retailers
• Explore UF's plethora of benefit options here: TEAMS Benefits

Required Qualifications

A high school diploma and one year of experience working in a research or clinical laboratory. Appropriate college course work or vocational/ technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Preferred

Experience with laboratory techniques and regulatory entities listed. Experience with animal handling. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Prism and PowerPoint

Health Assessment Required: Yes

Applications Close

02 October 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.