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usf.edu

Sr. Biological Scientist

usf.edu, Tampa, Florida, us, 33646

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## Job DescriptionThis 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.## Responsibilities* 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.## Qualifications**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 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.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 .**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.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

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.Jobs at a location #J-18808-Ljbffr