The Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research (CASBR) is looking for motivated University of Florida undergraduate students to join us as volunteer technicians. This is a hands-on opportunity to learn how an advanced research facility operates day to day and contribute to real spatial metabolomics research that supports labs across UF. By working directly with our lab staff and center scientists, you will be able to obtain foundational skills and knowledge in the field of biomedical sciences by contributing to a world class research facility.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are actively recruiting undergraduate students with the following backgrounds or interests:
- Computer Science — students with programming experience or strong quantitative skills who want to contribute to our data pipeline: processing, analyzing, and visualizing the spatial metabolomics datasets that CASBR generates.
- Biomedical Science — students in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, neuroscience, or related fields who want to obtain wet lab experience, and contribute to the physical handling and processing of samples for spatial metabolomics.
What Will You Obtain?
- Hands-on research experience in a specialized, nationally recognized facility focused on spatial biology
- Exposure to a wide range of disease-agnostic research from labs across UF, through CASBR’s role as a campus-wide collaboration hub
- Direct mentorship from center scientists and lab staff, and exposure to advanced spatial metabolomics workflows
- Practical, resume-ready skills and a real understanding of how a rigorous research facility operates
Qualifications and Commitment
- No prior research or wet-lab skills are required, but prior experience may be given priority in applications.
- Must be reliable, detail-oriented, and be able to follow protocols carefully.
- Must be comfortable demonstrating ability to perform foundational lab tasks prior to earning more responsibilities; everyone starts at the same level regardless of prior experience.
- Must be a strong communicator, who is quick and willing to discuss problems as they arise.
- Must have a genuine interest in research and the life sciences.
- No minimum number of semester commitment required, but priority will be given to those who can commit at least 5 semesters (including one summer).
- Must be able to commit a minimum of 12 hours per week.
- Understanding that this is an unpaid volunteer position; paid positions may be available at a later time but are not guaranteed.
- Must be able to show up to lab when expected, and notify your mentors when unexpected issues arise. Absences without notice may result in expulsion from the program.
If you are interested, please fill out and submit the form below. We will be in touch with you as soon as possible!