Advanced Research Scientist

The Research Scientist conducts laboratory research and assay development under the direction of the Scientific Director, Principal Investigator, or designated laboratory leadership. This position develops and executes research protocols, analyzes and interprets data, and contributes to the dissemination of findings through scientific publications, presentations, posters, and reports.

• Develop, coordinate, and execute research studies, investigative protocols, and laboratory experiments.
• Prepare research proposals, funding applications, technical reports, manuscripts, presentations, and posters.
• Conduct literature reviews and evaluate published methodologies relevant to assigned research projects.
• Perform routine and specialized laboratory procedures to support assay development, validation, and implementation.
• Analyze research and laboratory data and communicate findings to scientific and clinical stakeholders.
• Assist with the development, evaluation, modification, and standardization of laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
• Identify and resolve technical and test-related issues using independent scientific judgment.
• Serve as a technical resource for laboratory personnel and assist with training and education of staff and students.
• Collaborate with laboratory and interdisciplinary teams to achieve research and assay development objectives.
• Maintain compliance with departmental policies, safety requirements, infection control standards, and applicable professional guidelines.
• Participate in quality improvement activities and support the laboratory's mission, goals, and commitment to patient safety and service excellence.

Minimum Qualifications: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical or medical science with 2 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field; or current enrollment in a Ph.D. training program.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct laboratory research, analyze data, troubleshoot technical problems, and communicate scientific findings effectively.

• 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.

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 and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. 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 $750 million in research funding in 2025 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 nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.