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Laboratory Assistant - Kopania (OPS)

Employer
Florida State University
Location
Tallahassee, FL
View more categoriesView less categories
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

Job Title: Laboratory Assistant - Kopania (OPS)
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Temporary
Full/Part Time:
Job ID: 63644
Department

Dr. Emily Kopania's laboratory in the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University (https://ekopania.github.io/ and https://www.bio.fsu.edu/).

Our lab seeks to understand how selective pressures interact with developmental and functional constraints. We primarily do this by studying two different biological systems: (1) The evolution of vision in fish and (2) The evolution of reproduction in rodents. Our work integrates cutting-edge genomics and transcriptomics techniques with phylogenetic comparative approaches to understand molecular and trait evolution.

Responsibilities

The primary duties of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Helping to set up a molecular genomics laboratory and fish husbandry facility.
  • Performing molecular laboratory experiments. Examples include DNA and RNA extraction and library preparation, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy.
  • General lab upkeep and organization, such as ordering supplies, scheduling, and maintaining supplies and equipment.
  • Managing a fish (trout) facility through tasks such as regular feedings, health checks, and water quality monitoring.
  • Mentoring and training others in laboratory techniques.
Qualifications

B.S. or B.A. degree (or higher) in the life sciences or related field. Exceptions may be made for students with laboratory research experience who are finishing their degrees this year.

  • At least one year of experience in a biology laboratory.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Teams) and Google Docs.
  • A strong interest in evolutionary biology and genomics.
  • Excellent time management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong ability to work with a team of students and researchers
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience with molecular biology laboratory techniques.
  • Previous experience working with animals in research settings, especially fish.
Anticipated Salary Range

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Fringe benefits included. Ideal start date would be in October 2026 but is flexible based on candidate availability.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Please send your CV, a one-page statement describing your past research experience and interest in the position, and contact information for at least two references to Dr. Emily Kopania. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

Considerations

This is an OPS/temporary job.

Based on the duties, this position may require completion of a criminal history background check.

A full-time (40 hours/week), in-person research assistant position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Organization

Working at Florida State University

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University — with the Carnegie Foundation's highest designation, Doctoral/Research University-Extensive — offers a distinctive academic environment built on its cherished values and unique heritage, welcoming campus on the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida, championship athletics, and prime location in the heart of the state capital.

Combining traditional strength in the arts and humanities with recognized leadership in the sciences, Florida State University provides unmatched opportunities for students and faculty through challenging academics, cultural discovery and community interaction.

Underlying and supporting the educational experience at Florida State University is the development of new generations of citizen leaders, based on the concepts inscribed in our seal: Vires, Artes, Mores — Strength, Skill and Character.

Epitomized by recently named Rhodes Scholars Garrett Johnson and Myron Rolle — elite athletes and scholars committed to public service — and Joseph O'Shea — a campus and community leader as well as a top scholar — Florida State's 40,000 students are dedicated to academic excellence and providing leadership in our complex world.

Florida State University's 16 colleges offer more than 275 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, professional and specialist degree programs, including medicine and law, covering a broad array of disciplines critical to society today. Each year the University awards over 2,000 graduate and professional degrees.

With its impressive breadth of leading graduate, professional and undergraduate programs, Florida State University is a demanding, intellectually stimulating, yet warm and caring environment for students and faculty. Recognized nationally for its commitment to diversity, Florida State University is a national leader in the number of doctorates awarded to African-American students and in the graduation rate of African-American undergraduates. Its College of Medicine and College of Law are ranked in the nation's Top 10 for Hispanic students.

Florida State University's arts programs — dance, film, music and theatre — rank among the finest in the world, offering an arts education comparable to leading conservatories. Its creative writing program is ranked among the nation's best and is home to the most consistently honored and published student body in the United States. Florida State is responsible for governance of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and associated arts programs, one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation.

Other programs consistently included in the top public university list include physics, chemistry, political science, psychology, criminology, public administration, library science, information, human sciences, business and law.

At the Ph.D. level, interdisciplinary programs draw on notable research faculty strengths that transcend the traditional disciplines, including neuroscience, molecular biophysics, computational science, materials science and research at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory—home to the world's most powerful magnets.

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