Biological Scientist
: Job Details :

Classification Title: Biological Scientist III Job Description: The Judge Lab, co-Directed by Dr. Andrew Judge and Dr. Sarah Judge, is seeking a skilled and highly motivated individual to join their translational research team studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer-induced skeletal muscle atrophy and associated pathologies. The position includes conducting diverse tasks crucial to supporting the lab's impactful research, encompassing multidimensional experiments and assays. The ideal candidate will demonstrate autonomy within the research team, utilizing extensive experience and sound judgment to strategize and achieve predefined objectives within research projects. A high level of creativity and latitude is expected, along with a comprehensive understanding of our research topics, laboratory concepts, practices, and procedures. The successful candidate will work as a lead investigator in one of our ongoing projects and must have skills to conduct cell culture experiments (using muscle cells and cancer cells), animal physiological experiments (including physical activity monitoring and grip strength), tissue dissection and subsequent (immuno)histological and molecular (PCR, qPCR, Western Blot, ELISA, and/or FACS) analyses. Additionally, the role involves troubleshooting technical issues, analyzing data, and contributing to the efficient functioning of the lab to facilitate high-quality scientific outcomes. Work as a lead investigator, including developing, designing, and overseeing: Animal and Human Tissue Experiments Conducting In vivo experiments including inoculation of mice with cancer cells, tracking body weight, food intake, and activity levels, and treating with various drugs or antibodies. Performing functional, biochemical and molecular outcome measures on harvested tissues, including, but not limited to (immuno)histological analyses, Western Blot, PCR, qPCR, and FACS. Cell Based Experiments Conducting cell culture experiments using murine and human muscle cells, and murine and human cancer cells Training & Data Analysis Performing data acquisition and analysis, manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings at lab meetings. Providing hands-on mentorship and training to postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduates guiding them through the design and implementation of experiments, as needed. Lab Upkeep/Maintenance In conjunction with other lab members, maintaining the function of lab equipment, managing lab research records (including methodological approaches and animal protocols), and maintaining transgenic mouse colonies. Troubleshooting technical issues and contributing to the efficient functioning of the lab to facilitate high-quality scientific outcomes. Complete other duties as assigned. Expected Salary: $60,000 - $75,000; 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 Minimum Requirements: Bachelors degree in biology or a related field and seven years of experience or Masters degree in biology or a related field with five year of experience. Doctoral degree in biology or related field with two years of experience. Preferred Qualifications: At least three years experience beyond the doctoral degree working in skeletal muscle biology and physiology. Experience with aseptic techniques for cell culture. Demonstrated ability and experience in histology and immunohistochemistry, Western Blot, immunoprecipitation, PCR, qPCR, and FACS. Ability to analyze omics datasets, including RNA-seq and proteomics. Demonstrated ability to contribute to experimental design, analysis, interpretation of the results, and troubleshooting. Demonstrated experience assisting with writing scientific manuscripts and contributing to teamwork in physiological and molecular biological experiments. Demonstrated effective time management skills to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner. Demonstrated skills working with animals and human tissues. Demonstrated knowledge of the following programs; R, GraphPad, EndNote, and MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint. Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Special Instructions to Applicants: In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. 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 Floridas Sunshine Law. Health Assessment Required: Yes