Student Assistant - Mouse Colony Management and Laboratory Support

Student Assistant - Mouse Colony Management and Laboratory Support

- Current University of Florida undergraduate student with eligibility to participate in the Federal Work-Study program.
- Ability to work approximately 10–15 hours per week in accordance with the student's approved Work-Study eligibility and scheduling requirements.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, maintain accurate records, and perform assigned duties reliably.
- Willingness to complete required laboratory safety, animal handling, occupational health, and research compliance training before performing applicable duties.
- Ability to work responsibly in a research laboratory environment and comply with institutional animal welfare and safety procedures.

The Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking an undergraduate research assistant to support the Bafor Laboratory of Reproductive Bio-Immunology and Immune Engineering (ReBIE).

The selected student will assist with the daily management of research mouse colonies and provide general laboratory support. The position requires strong attention to detail, dependable attendance, accurate documentation, and a commitment to animal welfare and laboratory safety.

Mouse Colony Management

• Assist with routine management and monitoring of research mouse colonies.
• Maintain accurate records of breeding pairs, birth dates, litter sizes, weaning dates, and animal identification.
• Coordinate breeding schedules, weaning activities, and colony inventory updates under supervision.
• Assist with animal identification, tissue collection for genotyping, and PCR-based genotyping following appropriate training and authorization.
• Monitor colony breeding performance and report reproductive outcomes or abnormalities to laboratory personnel.
• Maintain colony databases and track animal availability for planned research experiments.
• Observe animal health and welfare and promptly report concerns to designated personnel.
• Perform all animal-related activities in accordance with approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols and University of Florida policies.

Laboratory and Research Support

• Assist with preparing reagents, supplies, and materials for laboratory experiments.
• Support routine molecular biology and immunology procedures under appropriate supervision.
• Assist with sample labeling, processing, storage, and documentation.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and assist with organizing research supplies and equipment.
• Support general laboratory organization, cleanliness, and other assigned research activities.

The position is expected to require approximately 10–15 hours per week, with scheduling coordinated around academic responsibilities and laboratory needs. Occasional weekend or holiday availability may be necessary for animal-related responsibilities, as communicated by the supervisor.

The position involves working in a biomedical research laboratory with research animals. All animal handling and research procedures will be performed only after completion of required training and authorization and under the supervision of qualified laboratory personnel.

$15.00 / hour

- Current University of Florida undergraduate student with eligibility to participate in the Federal Work-Study program.
- Ability to work approximately 10–15 hours per week in accordance with the student's approved Work-Study eligibility and scheduling requirements.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, maintain accurate records, and perform assigned duties reliably.
- Willingness to complete required laboratory safety, animal handling, occupational health, and research compliance training before performing applicable duties.
- Ability to work responsibly in a research laboratory environment and comply with institutional animal welfare and safety procedures.

- Interest in biomedical research, reproductive biology, immunology, veterinary medicine, or a related scientific field.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and effective recordkeeping practices.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with faculty, graduate students, and laboratory personnel.
- Previous laboratory experience, animal handling experience, or familiarity with research mouse colonies is beneficial but not required.
- Familiarity with basic laboratory procedures, research documentation, or Microsoft Excel is beneficial.
- Interest in developing technical skills related to animal colony management and laboratory research.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and proof of federal work study eligibility.

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