Open to opportunities

Matt Mercurio

@mattmercurio

I’m a Senior Biological Scientist focused on delivering high-quality next-generation sequencing and molecular research support.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a science role where I can run and optimize NGS workflows (RNA/DNA, single-cell, metagenomics), troubleshoot protocols, and train colleagues—while supporting rigorous documentation, reliable lab operations, and collaborative research progress.

I’m a Sr. Biological Scientist at the University of South Florida Genomics Sequencing Core, where I generate Next-Generation Sequencing libraries for RNA and DNA sequencing and operate Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq systems. I also handle equipment maintenance, sequencing lab organization, and reliable execution of sequencing protocols.

My work includes troubleshooting and supporting NG S experimental method development—optimizing reagents and protocols for RNA-Seq, metagenomic sequencing, and single cell sequencing (including 10X Chromium). I document and report results and progress to colleagues and clients, and I train other scientists so they can run sequencing experiments confidently.

Before that, I was a Research Associate I at Moffitt Cancer Center, building cell culture experiments and advancing molecular toolkit development through cloning, PCR-based strategies, transfection, and transformations. I’ve also served as an Adjunct Biology Professor and Graduate Teaching Assistant, bringing a teaching-and-mentoring mindset to labs, data organization, and day-to-day scientific execution.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Senior Biological Scientist

University of South Florida Genomics Sequencing Core

Apr 2020 - Feb 2026 (5 years 10 months)

Generated next-generation sequencing libraries for RNA and DNA sequencing, operating Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq and executing sequencing protocols. Provided troubleshooting, documentation, and training for experimental method development while coordinating client scheduling and billing via a laboratory management system.

Next Generation Sequencing Laboratory management

Research Associate I

Moffitt Cancer Center

Jun 2017 - Feb 2020 (2 years 8 months)

Conducted and maintained cell culture experiments and developed gene cloning strategies using PCR, transfection, and bacterial transformations. Performed sample preparation and analysis including DNA/RNA/protein isolation, western blotting, gel electrophoresis, limited flow cytometry, and routine QC such as mycoplasma testing.

Cell Culture Plasmid And Genomic DNA Isolation Transfection Western Blot Electrophoresis Mycoplasma Testing Data Analysis

Adjunct Biology Professor

St. Petersburg College

Aug 2015 - Jul 2016 (11 months)

Presented college-level biology courses for non-majors through upper-level students and delivered lectures across multiple biology disciplines. Oversaw and assisted students in lab instruction for techniques including gel electrophoresis, biochemical tests, bacterial staining, microscopy, and spectrophotometry, and managed grading and course administration.

Biology Instruction Electrophoresis Bacterial Staining Spectrophotometry

Adjunct Biology Professor

University of South Florida

Aug 2015 - Dec 2015 (4 months)

Taught Biology I Cellular Processes Laboratory sections and prepared and delivered introductory lectures before each experiment. Instructed students in laboratory equipment use and techniques including restriction digestion, gel electrophoresis, biochemical tests, paper chromatography, and bacterial staining while managing course administration and grading.

Biology I Laboratory Teaching Lab Instruction Grading Restriction Digestion Electrophoresis Bacterial Staining Spectrophotometry

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of South Florida

Aug 2013 - May 2015 (1 year 9 months)

Taught laboratory sections for Biology I Cellular Processes Laboratory, supporting student learning and successful completion of experiments. Provided instruction and lab support aligned to duties performed previously in adjunct laboratory teaching roles.

Lab Techniques Support Micropipettes Training Microscopy Support Student Mentoring

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of South Florida

Master of Science in Biology, Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology)

Grade: GPA: 3.7 (Non-thesis program)

Earned an M.S. in Biology with a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology through a non-thesis program.

University of South Florida

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology)

Grade: Magna Cum Laude; GPA: 3.8

Activities and societies: Relevant coursework included Cell Biology, Cell Metabolism, Human/Medical Genetics, Molecular Biology of the Cell/Gene, Molecular Pathology, Immunology, Cancer Biology, Microbiology, Genetic Engineering, and Cell/Molecular Biology Techniques.

Earned a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology.