Research Technician - Makino Lab

Job Description

Classification Title: Research Technician

Classification Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Dr. Ayako Makino's laboratory is seeking a Research Technician to join our translational research team, specializing in cardiovascular pathophysiology and vascular cell biology. Our research focuses on the pathogenic mechanisms of coronary vascular complications in diabetes and menopause, as well as the pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension. The major tasks for this position are 1) maintaining mouse colonies (i.e., weekly checking, mating, weaning, tailing, genotyping, chemical administration), and 2) assessment of cardiac and vascular functions using an echocardiogram and/or a Millar catheter. The incumbent must possess skills to handle small animals (i.e., holding, administering chemicals, dissection of tissues), basic molecular biological skills (e.g., PCR, WB, qPCR, cell culture), precise record-keeping skills, aseptic techniques, organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with other lab members. Additionally, the role involves troubleshooting technical issues, analyzing data, and contributing to the efficient functioning of the lab to facilitate high-quality scientific outcomes.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Maintain our mouse colonies by conducting weekly checks, cleaning cages, weaning litter, mating, and tailing for genotyping.
• Perform basic molecular biological experiments, including PCR for genotyping, qPCR, WB, as well as culturing cells under aseptic conditions.
• Conduct animal experiments, such as administration of chemicals and assessment of cardiac and vascular functions using echocardiography and/or the Millar catheter.
• Coordinate with other investigators for lab research, including maintaining the function of lab equipment and reagents and managing the lab research record (including methodological approaches and animal protocols).
• Perform data acquisition and analysis.

Expected Salary: $20.00 per hour.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated ability to perform mouse colony maintenance, including checking mice, cleaning cages, mating, weaning, and tailing
• Demonstrated skills in animal experiments, including chemical administration and assessment of cardiac and vascular functions using echocardiography
• Demonstrated skills in precise record-keeping
• Theoretical and working knowledge in molecular biology, including PCR, qPCR, and WB
• Aseptic techniques for cell culture.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct data analysis and interpretation of the results, and troubleshoot.
• Demonstrated effective time management skills to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and coordinate with others to maintain lab functionality.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the following specialized programs: GraphPad, EndNote, and MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint.
• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Please provide names and email addresses of three to five references as part of the application process. When ready, the hiring department will contact the listed references via email requesting their reference letters to be uploaded directly to the application website.

This position is eligible for veterans' preference. If you are claiming veteran's preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See the Qualified Positions link on our applicant FAQs page for a list of eligible positions.

Work schedule: Monday – Friday. 40 hours per week. Need to be available for the weekend (occasional) for chronic injection/treatment/cytology as part of mouse colony maintenance work. No hybrid schedule will be necessary.

This is a time-limited position.

This position is open until filled. Application review will begin November 4, 2026.

The University of Florida is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit.

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).

Health Assessment Required: Yes

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/541858

Our Commitment: 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).