Research Technician

The University of South Florida is seeking a Research Technician for Dr. Richard Beard's lab, focusing on blood-brain barrier dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. Responsibilities include performing laboratory techniques, assisting with animal studies, maintaining lab operations, and data management. Candidates should have a high school diploma and three years of research experience, with preferred qualifications including a related bachelor's degree and laboratory experience. The position is grant-funded and located in Tampa, FL.
A Research Technician position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Richard Beard in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida Health. The lab studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying early blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) using multicellular in vitro models (including endothelial, astrocyte, pericyte, and immune cell systems), molecular biology techniques, transgenic mouse models, and in vivo functional assays. The technician will work closely with senior lab members to perform experiments, support animal and cell-based studies, maintain laboratory operations, and assist with data collection and organization in a hands-on research environment focused on BBB biology and neuroimmunology.
• Perform routine laboratory techniques, including PCR, WB, IF, basic molecular biology, and cell culture (including endothelial and BBB co-culture models)
• Assist with mouse colony maintenance (breeding, genotyping, weaning) and support animal procedures such as injections and tissue collection
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, organize data, and assist with basic analysis and figure preparation
• Manage laboratory inventory, prepare reagents, and maintain equipment
• Ensure compliance with institutional biosafety, EH&S, and IACUC regulations

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:
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, or a related field
• Basic laboratory experience in molecular biology and/or cell culture
• Willingness to work with mice
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to follow protocols and work effectively within a team
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and/or endothelial cell models
• Prior work with mouse colonies and genotyping
• Familiarity with qPCR, immunofluorescence, or Western blotting
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism)Interest in blood–brain barrier biology, neuroimmunology, or multiple sclerosis research

Additional Information for Applicants: Position is Grant-funded.

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 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 .

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.