Sr. Biological Scientist

This position reports to the USF Genomics Program Director and the Genomics Sequencing Core Director. The candidate will provide guidance, scientific and technical support to projects involving Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and assist in management of the USF Genomics Program Core laboratory. The candidate will deliver high-quality sequencing services, including advanced single-cell and spatial sample preparation and sequencing. Responsibilities include QC of DNA, RNA, and single-cell samples, library preparation, spatial genomics method sequencing setup, and data delivery. Spatial genomics methods are cutting-edge techniques that require extensive training to perform. The ideal candidate will be responsible for, but not limited to: (1) library preparation sequencing; (2) operating sample prep and sequencing instrumentation; (3) NGS data analysis; (4) assist in genomics training; (5) NSG equipment maintenance and lab organization; and (6) documentation duties will include keeping detailed records of experiments and sequencing data using the lab management software (iLab). The candidate must be able to manage simultaneously several projects with varying priorities and coordinate between multiple groups. He/she must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Perform Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) sample preparation and sequencing, including single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq, snRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (Visium HD) workflows, DNA/RNA library construction, Illumina sequencing, Nanopore sequencing, and Visium HD tissue sample preparation.
• Operate and maintain high-throughput sequencing instruments (e.g., Illumina NovaSeq X, MiSeq i100) and single-cell systems (e.g., 10x Genomics Chromium X, Visium CytAssist).
• Manage and prioritize daily laboratory workflow to ensure timely project completion within standard operating hours.
• Conduct quality control (QC) assessments for RNA/DNA samples and sequencing libraries to ensure accuracy and integrity. Work closely with core users and internal team to troubleshoot, optimize protocols, and achieve consistent, high-quality results.
• Maintain accurate documentation in iLab, including experimental records, billing, reagent usage, and equipment logs, ensuring compliance with institutional standards.
• Contribute to laboratory training, SOP development, and continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a natural or medical science and 2 years of research experience; or a Master's degree in a natural science. Progressively responsible experience involving scientific laboratory or field work may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with NGS workflows, including DNA/RNA sequencing, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomics assays.
• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Genomics, or a closely related field, and at least two (2) years of professional experience in a research or technical laboratory;
• Hands-on experience with Illumina and/or Nanopore sequencing platforms.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to maintain daily operational efficiency and meet project deadlines.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and documentation skills.
• Experience with 10x Genomics Chromium or Visium HD platforms is highly desirable.

 

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and