OPS Research Technician

An OPS Research Technician position is available in Dr. Zepeng Yao’s laboratory (https://www.yao-lab.com/) in the Department of Biology at the University of Florida (UF) Gainesville campus. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2025, with flexibility.

Our lab studies the neural circuit mechanisms underlying sensory processing and feeding regulation, employing a wide range of state-of-the-art techniques including optogenetics, two-photon calcium imaging, quantitative high-throughput behavioral assays, bioinformatics, and whole-brain connectomics. The candidate will the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research projects, which may involve conducting wet-lab experiments and/or performing bioinformatics/connectomics analyses depending on their interests and background. Additionally, the candidate will assist with day-to-day lab operations, such as fruit fly husbandry.

We strive to cultivate an open and collaborative lab environment that fosters innovative and cutting-edge research. The candidate will benefit from hands-on training in various techniques, collegial interactions with lab members, and collaboration opportunities both within and beyond the lab.

UF is Florida’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land-grant university, and ranks among the top U.S. public universities. Located in Gainesville—a city of approximately 150,000 residents in North-Central Florida—UF is about 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and within a two-hour drive of major metropolitan areas such as Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. The region’s beautiful climate and extensive parks and recreational areas offer year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, nature photography, and water sports. UF’s vibrant college sports programs, museums, and performing arts center provide a range of cultural and entertainment options. Learn more about Gainesville at Visit Gainesville (https://www.visitgainesville.com/).

$15–18/hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full-time employment (40 hours/week) is preferred; part-time employment may also be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology or related disciplines, with some laboratory experience.
• Self-motivated, hard-working, responsible, resilient, and able to solve problems independently.

• Experience in connectomics and/or bioinformatics, such as RNA-seq data analysis.
• Familiarity with coding languages such as Python and R.

For full consideration, applications must be submitted online by clicking “Apply Now” at the top of this posting.

A complete application includes: (1) a letter of application (1-2 pages) summarizing your qualifications, interests, future career plans, and suitability for the position; (2) a complete curriculum vitae (CV); and (3) names and contact information for 2-3 references. After the initial review, letters of recommendation may be requested from the references for selected applicants.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting July 14, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.