Research Associate Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Responsible to a Chair or other appropriate administrator of a State university.Responsible for defining problem areas within the functional area to which assigned. Outlines research programs and projects, analyzes statistical and other data, and provides appropriate recommendations to address and eliminate problem areas.May be assigned teaching duties.
Responsibilities
Design, perform, and analyze experiments investigating the molecular and physiological mechanisms regulating renal function, electrolyte transport, blood pressure control, and cardiorenal disease. Conduct studies using rodent models, isolated tissues and cells, electrophysiology, molecular and cellular biology techniques, physiological phenotyping, microscopy, and biochemical assays. Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical methods.
Perform specialized laboratory procedures to support ongoing projects, including histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, quantitative PCR, cell culture, sample preparation, and other molecular or imaging techniques. Assist with maintenance of laboratory protocols, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
Prepare figures, data summaries, presentations, abstracts, and scientific manuscripts for publication. Present research findings during laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, scientific conferences, and meetings with collaborators. Contribute to grant applications and progress reports as appropriate. Develop and submit applications for extramural funding (e.g., NIH, AHA, or other federal and foundation agencies) in consultation with the Principal Investigator to support career development and research independence.
Train and mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and undergraduate trainees in experimental techniques, data analysis, laboratory safety, and best research practices. Assist with development and implementation of new methodologies.Participate in weekly laboratory meetings, individual meetings with the Principal Investigator, journal clubs, departmental seminars, and scientific conferences. Assist with laboratory organization, maintenance of equipment and inventories, compliance with institutional and federal regulations, and planning of future research directions.
Qualifications
Minimum
PHD degree from an accredited institution with demonstrated record of academic research achievement, or professional qualifications in the field of specialization above those which would be equivalent to the highest degree. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Research Associate.
PhD in biological or medical sciences, with at least 5 years of experience as a post-doctoral research.
About Us
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 www.usf.edu.
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.