Biological Scientist I

University of Florida•St. Lucie, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves conducting experiments under the supervision of a Principal Investigator (PI), focusing on the daily care of live aquatic research organisms and the maintenance of recirculating aquaculture systems. The role includes overseeing the production of algae and live zooplankton cultures, monitoring fish health, and implementing corrective actions. Responsibilities also extend to data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of research findings, and assisting in the publication of research. The position requires operating University of Florida/State vehicles for official business and research. Additionally, the role involves training laboratory technicians, interns, graduate students, and undergraduate students, and supporting new personnel training on animal care, recordkeeping, and aquaculture laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Maintaining schedules for staff, research trials, and laboratory events is also part of the duties. The Biological Scientist I will maintain accurate laboratory and animal care records, perform laboratory safety and compliance duties, including MSDS maintenance, coordinating inspections, and ensuring compliance with IACUC requirements. Oversight of research laboratory and greenhouse facility maintenance, communication of issues to relevant personnel, and performing Extension and outreach duties such as preparing publications, giving tours, and delivering presentations are also key aspects of this role. Driving to events will be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related life science field
A valid Florida driver's license is required

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree with experience in marine fish aquaculture.

Responsibilities

Conducts experiments while utilizing established research protocols, under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI).
Oversee the production of algae and live zooplankton cultures used as feed for marine fish larvae.
Monitor fish health and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain optimal animal health and welfare.
Collecting data, conducting statistical analysis, and interpretation of research data.
Assist in gathering information for the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Operate University of Florida/State vehicles as needed for official university business and research-related activities.
Help with the training of laboratory technicians, interns, graduate students, and undergraduate students, and assist with their research projects.
Support the training of new personnel on animal care procedures, laboratory recordkeeping requirements, and aquaculture laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Maintain schedules for staff, research trials, laboratory events, visitors, and educational tours.
Maintain accurate laboratory and animal care records.
Perform laboratory safety and compliance-related duties, including maintaining MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets), coordinating annual EH&S inspections, supporting semi-annual inspections conducted by the FDACS Division of Aquaculture, and ensuring compliance with UF Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) requirements.
Oversee infrastructural maintenance of research laboratories and greenhouse facilities.
Communicate maintenance concerns and operational issues to the PI, IRREC facilities staff, and farm personnel as appropriate.
Perform Extension and outreach duties, including preparing Extension publications, providing laboratory tours, and delivering presentations at professional meetings and educational events.
Driving to events will be required.
Other duties as assigned.