Research Assistant I

University Of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida is seeking a Research Assistant I in the Department of Oral Biology, Main Campus in Gainesville, FL. The role performs a variety of standard laboratory tasks and assists in two major research areas related to immune dysfunction after burn and radiation injury.

Under supervision, duties include processing human samples, handling mice, conducting immunological and molecular assays, and ensuring compliance with SOPs and regulatory protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and one year of experience in a research or clinical laboratory.
• Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
• Experience with laboratory techniques and regulatory entities listed.
• Experience with animal handling.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Prism and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Technical performance of assays as needed, including but not limited to immunological assays, molecular biology assays, protein assays, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, & microscopy.
• 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.
• 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.
• Under supervision of Laboratory Manager and/or the principal investigator ensure compliance with federal regulations within the laboratory (e.g. NIH, EHS, IACUC, IRB).
• Other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Manager, including maintenance of laboratory supplies stock, and instrument maintenance.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Regulatory entities

Animal handling

Microsoft Word

Excel

Prism

PowerPoint

Education

High school diploma

Tools

LDMS

EPIC

RedCap

Job description

Job no: 541366
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Dentistry
Department: 34030000 - DN-ORAL BIOLOGY

Classification Title:

Research Assistant I

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%

$16.76 - $22.99 per hour, commensurate with experience

The University of Florida offers low-cost State Health plans, a number of Dental plans to fit you and your family’s needs, and Vision. Domestic partner coverage through GatorCare is also available. Optional plans such as life, disability, legal and accident insurance are also available.

Build your retirement roadmap with competitive pension plans, investment accounts and a host of voluntary add-ons, such as 457 deferred compensation and 403(b) plans.

UF provides a variety of leave programs including vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, personal leave days, and family medical leave. TEAMS employees accrue approximately 22 vacation days annually, 13 sick days annually, and 4 personal leave days, typically used during the holiday closing period (accruals based on full-time employment). UF also provides you the flexibility to deal with life’s challenges by offering paid family leave, eight full weeks of leave over a 24-month period.

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:

Health Assessment Required: Yes

Advertised: 18 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 02 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.