Social and Behaviorial Researcher

A Social and Behavioral Scientist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Theresa Currier Thomas at the University of South Florida to advance studies in traumatic brain injury (TBI). A successful candidate will manage and execute multiple experimental projects, including behavioral testing, surgeries, in vivo electrochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical analyses. The position will involve both hands-on experimental work and coordination of laboratory operations. As the lab grows, the candidate will play a key role in training and supervising junior staff and trainees.  

• Research Execution: Plan, conduct, and analyze animal-based experiments involving behavioral testing, surgical procedures, in vivo electrochemistry, and histological and biochemical assays. Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and records. 

• Laboratory Operations: Oversee lab organization, documentation, and safety compliance (IACUC, Biosafety, and Chemical Safety). Manage inventory and equipment maintenance, and ensure standard operating procedures (SOPs) are created, updated, and followed. 

• Training & Mentorship: Provide technical training and daily guidance to students, interns, and technicians. Promote adherence to laboratory standards and best practices while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and efficient research environment. 

• Animal Care Oversight: Coordinate animal orders and census, maintain accurate records, and assist with pre- and post-operative care to ensure ethical and efficient procedures in compliance with institutional standards. 

• Data & Reporting: Analyze data, prepare figures, and contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant materials. Actively participate in lab meetings and journal clubs, and present findings at local and national scientific meetings. 

• Leadership & Growth: Develop advanced technical and leadership skills with the goal of supervising future team members, leading projects, and contributing to the development of new research directions and funding initiatives. 

• Collaborative Engagement: Engage in multidisciplinary research, share expertise with collaborators, and contribute to building a high-performing, innovative research team dedicated to advancing the lab’s scientific mission. 

• This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a field directly related to the research or data analysis responsibilities and a minimum of one year of research experience; or a Master’s degree in one of the same fields. Four years of progressively responsible work experience in a field directly related to the research may substitute for the 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.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from an accredited institution in biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, or a closely related field. 

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in one or more relevant areas, such as animal handling and surgery, behavioral testing, molecular or biochemical assays, or histological analysis. 

• Familiarity with in vivo techniques (e.g., electrochemistry or electrophysiology) is highly desirable. 

• Strong record of initiative, dependability, and capacity to mentor or guide junior trainees. 

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