Temporary Research Technician

Dr. Subhra Mohapatra's laboratory in the department of Molecular Medicine at USF has an opening for a part-time Temporary Research Technician. This position will perform technical laboratory duties and/or basic data analysis in support of a research project. The laboratory analyses at this level may involve sophisticated techniques that are generally learned on the job. This position may also analyze data and produce graphs and charts for publication. This position works on a grant or research project and performs specific analytical laboratory procedures, usually limited in number and repetitive. The position performs data recording and preliminary analysis and may prepare graphs and charts for publication. 

 

One of the major focus of Dr. Mohapatra's laboratory is to understand the role of onco-immune environment, which plays a critical role in tumor growth, drug resistance and recurrence. To this end, the laboratory has developed methods and technologies to expand cancer stem cells (CSCs) that drive tumor initiation and progression, identified novel drug candidates for targeting CSCs and sensitizing tumors to immune checkpoint blockers in colon and lung cancer models. Another focus of her laboratory has been to study chemokine signaling pathways involving spleen-brain axis in regulating neurodegeneration in traumatic injury patients. Toward these goals, the laboratory has developed in vitro models of blood-brain-barrier, in vivo rodent models, nose-to-brain delivery methods and anti-inflammatory agents. Since the COVID 19 pandemic, our lab has initiated studies to understand the neurotropism of SARS-CoV2 virus.

The following list provides examples of the most typical duties for positions in this job class. Individual positions may not include all of the examples listed, nor does the list include all of the work that may be assigned to positions in this job class.

 

• Performs standard laboratory procedures such as maintaining cell cultures requiring  the use of sterile technique, radioisotope labeling, preparing slides using staining techniques, and performing assays for protein, RNA, DNA, or other cellular components.
• Cares for laboratory animals. Performs standardized experimental protocols. May prepare animals for surgery, and care for animals after surgery.
• Orders laboratory equipment, calibrates instruments, and prepares laboratory equipment for use.
• Keeps records of the conduct and outcome of laboratory analyses. May enter data into  a database.
• Monitors the work of student assistants.
• Prepares graphs, graphs, charts and tables from experimental results for inclusion in presentations and publications.

Minimum Qualifications: 

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and three years of laboratory or research experience. College coursework in a natural or physical science may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in a related field.

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 driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

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