OPS Research Technician-Neuropharmacology of behavior

OPS Research Technician–Neuropharmacology of behavior

Job No: 540521

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Grant or Research Administration

Department:  – MD-PHARMACOLOGY – THERAPEUTICS

The Wesson lab is seeking a Research Technician for a full‑time position to support studies into brain circuitry that orchestrates sensory‑guided emotions, decisions, and motivated behaviors. The lab employs in‑vivo methods including electrophysiology, optical imaging of neural activity, and quantitative behavior to understand neural function. The successful applicant should be highly organized, driven, and adept at performing complex technical skills while innovating to solve experimental problems with sophisticated custom‑designed equipment.

Some lower‑level yet important aspects of the position involve generating lab reagents and supporting animal care, including genotyping. The lab offers a supportive environment with opportunities to grow and is housed in the collegial Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, UF College of Medicine.

• In vivo animal experimentation in neuroscience/neuropharmacology, including electrophysiology, optogenetics, chemo genetics, imaging, behavioral testing, etc.
• Mouse genotyping and surgeries.
• Fluorescence microscopy (epifluorescence).
• General lab maintenance including chemical and reagent generation.

• Data organization, analysis, and figure preparation.
• Equipment set‑up.
• Establishing and documenting protocols.
• Programming and data analysis.

$17.00 – $21.00 per hour based on experience and skills.

• High school diploma and 3 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 1 year of relevant experience.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills in a team‑work setting.
• Basic ability to operate laboratory equipment, including microscopes.

• Experience in computer programming (Python or MATLAB).
• Working knowledge of neurobiology.
• Working knowledge of the quantitative study of animal behavior.
• Working knowledge of chemistry or molecular biology.

To be considered for this position, upload a C.V., cover letter of interest directly addressing the requirements, and names and email addresses of three professional references. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment

Required:

Yes

Applications Close: 23 July 2026

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The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352‑392‑2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800‑955‑8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.