Researcher III

Job Title

Researcher III

Cherokee United Services is seeking a Researcher III to support advanced genetic and molecular biology research in Gainesville, Florida. This full-time, on-site role supports research that informs the conservation and management of wildlife, invasive species, wetlands, and aquatic resources. The Researcher III will conduct molecular laboratory procedures, maintain laboratory operations and records, support data management, and assist with field activities as needed.

Compensation & Benefits:

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Researcher III: $54,000

Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

• Conduct advanced molecular biology research in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Extract, purify, quantify, and assess the quality of DNA and RNA from biological and environmental samples.
• Perform PCR, quantitative PCR (qPCR), gel electrophoresis, and related molecular laboratory procedures.
• Maintain and support research involving cell cultures and cell lines.
• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot primers, assays, and molecular biology protocols.
• Collect, prepare, evaluate, verify, and process biological and environmental samples.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, chemical solutions, and mixtures in accordance with SOPs and laboratory safety requirements.
• Perform laboratory QA/QC activities and promptly identify, document, troubleshoot, and communicate technical or data-management issues.
• Train or assist laboratory personnel in approved laboratory procedures and SOPs.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot core laboratory equipment, including pipettors, thermocyclers, spectrophotometers, centrifuges, dewars, and gas cylinders.
• Maintain inventories of laboratory chemicals, reagents, supplies, and equipment; identify and communicate procurement needs.
• Coordinate shipment and receipt of samples, supplies, chemicals, and laboratory equipment.
• Support laboratory safety assessments, laboratory-readiness checks, PPE availability, and personnel training compliance.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and organized laboratory notebooks, field notes, data sheets, training logs, and digital and hard-copy research records.
• Compile, tabulate, analyze, summarize, and prepare experimental data for reports, presentations, graphics, and other research products.
• Conduct scientific literature reviews and synthesize findings for ongoing research projects.
• Support proposals, reports, presentations, outreach materials, scientific meetings, internal review systems, workshops, and collaborator communications.
• Assist with planning and conducting fieldwork, including equipment preparation, supply organization, datasheet development, instrument calibration, and logistics coordination.
• Submit monthly and as-requested progress reports covering technical, operational, administrative, and data-management activities.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, environmental science, wildlife science, or another relevant scientific field required.
• At least five years of relevant laboratory experience in an academic, government, or professional research setting required.
• Demonstrated experience with most of the following required molecular laboratory skills:
• DNA and RNA extraction, purification, and quantification
• PCR and qPCR
• Gel electrophoresis
• Cell culture or cell-line management
• Primer and assay design/optimization
• Molecular biology protocol troubleshooting
• Working knowledge of standard genetic laboratory methods, laboratory software, documentation practices, and SOP-driven processes required.
• Experience with genomic data, genetic data, transcriptomics, and/or cell lines preferred.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while following established technical, safety, and operational procedures.
• Strong organization, time-management, and multitasking skills to support multiple projects and scientists.
• Ability to maintain records that support data integrity, reproducibility, traceability, continuity, and archival requirements.
• Experience compiling, organizing, manipulating, and summarizing scientific data; familiarity with tabular and graphical data-representation software.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to translate laboratory work into reports and other narrative products.
• Active USAccess clearance/credential or ability to obtain and maintain required access credentials.
• Current First Aid, CPR, and Bloodborne Pathogens certifications required before or upon entry.
• Ability to complete required training, including laboratory safety, GHS classification, Quality Management System training, IT security, and other task-specific courses.
• Ability to work full time on-site in Gainesville, FL,…