Research Lab Technician (TEMP)

College of Medicine- The Calarco Lab:

The Calarco Lab is part of the Neuroscience Research Division within the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Florida's Lake Nona Campus. The mission of the Neuroscience Division is to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern normal development and function of the nervous system. The division fosters a highly collaborative research environment, working closely with partners across UCF and within the broader community to translate fundamental discoveries into new therapies for neurological disorders.

The Opportunity:

The Calarco Lab is dedicated to understanding how the brain adapts to rewarding stimuli and how these adaptations contribute to drugseeking behaviors. Our research focuses on mitochondria and the role of cellular metabolism in supporting longlasting changes in neurons. Current projects include identifying and manipulating gene targets to assess their effects on nicotine seeking, characterizing mitochondrial responses in the brain to various drugs and supplements, and examining how dietary interventions influence rewardseeking behaviors. The lab integrates sophisticated behavioral analyses in mouse models with cuttingedge neuroscience, molecular biology, and genomic techniques, offering a dynamic research environment that bridges biology and behavior.

Classification Title: OPS Sponsored Projects Services

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to general lab maintenance and organization.

• Oversee lab supplies and routine equipment maintenance.

• When established, contribute to the management and maintenance of a mouse breeding colony.

• Maintain accurate records of animal colony census, experimental procedures, and data.

• Conduct behavioral experiments with mice, including operant conditioning, dietary manipulations, drug exposure, and drug self-administration.

• Perform survival surgeries, including intracranial stereotaxic injections and implantation of jugular vein catheters.

• Collect and analyze behavioral data using specialized software.

• Assist with molecular biology techniques, such as tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, gene expression analysis, and confocal microscopy.

• Attend regular lab meetings and present research progress.

• Meet regularly with Dr. Calarco to report work progress and any other issues relevant to lab operation.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Science, Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, or a related field and 1 year of research experience of any kind.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated background in general laboratory maintenance and organization, including managing lab supplies and performing routine equipment upkeep.

• Experience working with laboratory animals, particularly mice.

• Proficiency in organizing, maintaining, and ensuring the integrity of laboratory data.

• Knowledge of behavioral neuroscience techniques and principles.

The most successful candidates may possess the following qualities:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to adapt to changing work situations and assignments.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Additional Application Materials Required:

In addition to your online application, please attach a resume/CV and a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you will contribute to the team.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

• The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $20.00 - $25.00. The final rate will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

• All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H-1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

• This position is located at the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences in Lake Nona at 66900 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you'll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You'll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you'll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you'll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Are Benefits Important to You?

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state's benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First. OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, postdoctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

Hours of Work

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Hourly Rate

Job Posting End Date

Benefits Eligibility

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state's benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First. OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.