Biological Scientist II

Classification Title:

Biological Scientist Ii

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience or Master’s degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience.

Job Description:

The Respiratory Neural Control Lab, led by Dr. Elisa Gonzalez-Rothi, is seeking a motivated Biological Scientist II to join our interdisciplinary team. Our research focuses on neural control of breathing and upper airway function, particularly in the context of spinal cord injury (SCI).

Funded by NIH and DoD grants, current projects explore how combining acute intermittent hypoxia (tAIH) with task-specific training (e.g., exercise, electrical stimulation) can enhance respiratory recovery after chronic cervical SCI. We also investigate swallowing dysfunction post-SCI to improve diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia-related respiratory complications.

The successful candidate will contribute to preclinical studies using rodent models and techniques such as neurophysiology, EMG, and molecular analysis. This role offers close collaboration with clinical partners and opportunities to advance translational neuroscience and rehabilitation.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Laboratory Experiments:

• Coordinate and ensure efficient and successful completion of multiple concurrent research projects. This includes:
• Administer therapeutic interventions (e.g., treadmill exercise, gas exposures)
• Conduct data collection (e.g., whole body ventilation (plethysmography), in vivo EMG recordings, and acute electrophysiology experiments).
• Complete tissue processing (e.g., sectioning, immunohistochemistry, imaging quantification)

Rodent Surgery, Care And Handling:

• Directly perform surgical procedures (e.g., EMG electrode implantation, spinal surgeries, intrapleural injections).
• Provide daily animal care and handling.

Laboratory Maintenance:

• Review, update, and implement IACUC, EH&S, and biosafety protocols.
• Coordinate general laboratory care and maintenance including:
• Maintain animal, chemical, and supply inventories.
• Prepare solutions and reagents for experiments.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and laboratory cleaning.

Laboratory Administration:

• Oversee laboratory supply inventory and coordinate with Laboratory Manager to ensure efficient ordering and purchasing of necessary supplies to perform experiments.
• Confirm receipt of orders, verify for accuracy, and submit backup documentation per departmental and institutional policies.
• Assist with budget tracking for supplies, equipment, and travel.
• Organize and maintain files and records.
• Analyze data and prepare research updates and reports.
• Attend weekly lab meetings.
• Assist in training as many as 6 lab members consisting of undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral associates to maintain a high standard of quality within the lab.
• Work closely with the principal investigator, graduate assistants, and postdoctoral associates to coordinate work within the lab and ensure successful completion of ongoing laboratory projects.
• Expected Salary:

$49,050 - $55,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience.

The University of Florida (UF) offers an exceptional benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance; state retirement plans; a generous leave program; and tuition assistance. UF is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer. For more information on benefits, please visit UF HR Benefits and Rewards at https://benefits.hr.ufl.edu/.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience or Master’s degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience.

Preferred:

One to two years of relevant research experience; prior experience with animal models including rodent handling with a preference for those trained in surgical techniques, nerve/EMG recordings, or electrophysiological assessments.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and three professional references. 

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This is a time-limited position.

If an accommodation is needed to apply for this position, please call 352/392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800/955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.

Health Assessment Required: Yes