Temporary Research Technician

A Research Technician position is available in the lab of Dr. Thomas McDonald at the USF Health Heart Institute. The selected candidate will work with lab members on projects investigating the molecular mechanisms of hereditary-genetic heart disease. Our lab employs patient- & mutation-specific induced pluripotent stem cell models of cardiac myocytes and associated cell-types. In particular, the lab studies functional characteristics of human heart cells and organoids derived from stem cells, and gene expression perturbations that may be amenable to novel drug therapy. Ongoing studies are focused on heart disease associated with pathogenic mutations in LMNA (laminopathies) and FXN (Friedreich's Ataxia).

USF Health's mission is to envision and implement the future of health. It is the partnership of the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, the College of Pharmacy, the School of Biomedical Sciences and the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences; and the USF Physician's Group. USF is a global research university ranked 34th in federal research expenditures for public universities. For information regarding the USF Health, please visit our website at

• Applicant will help design and perform bench-level experiments (molecular biology and cell/tissue culture).
• Will assist with management of the lab, including operation and maintenance of equipment and training lab members in use of equipment
• Will collect, organize, and analyze data for presentation and publication, and maintain experimental records
• Will prepare reports, tables, and figures and accurately present compiled findings for use in manuscripts and grant applications
• Will participate in lab meetings, grant writing, and manuscript preparation
• Will assist with other research-related tasks as needed
• As a team member, will work with the lab supervisor towards advancing your own career goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, or closely related field.

Candidate must be self-motivated and independent and comfortable seeking and obtaining feedback from peers and colleagues

Excellent organization skills and familiarity with word processing and imaging software

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Cell/tissue culture technical experience.

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

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. Contact the USF ADA Lead ( hr-ADA- ) to coordinate your accommodation request.

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 .

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.