BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 42001057 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)
About The Position
The Biological Scientist I is a laboratory professional in the Virology Section of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry. The role performs diagnostic testing and related laboratory work with considerable technical judgment and independence. It is open only to current employees of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The position includes performing virology assays, maintaining cell lines and viral cultures, processing clinical and necropsy samples, and documenting and coordinating results. The incumbent supports quality assurance and quality control, equipment maintenance, procedure development and validation, proficiency testing, laboratory supply coordination, and safe laboratory operations. Cross-training in other microbiology and laboratory sections, evaluation of procedures, and training personnel are also expected. A bachelor’s degree in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences and a valid Class E driver license are required. The employee must pass pulmonary function and medical evaluations, complete regular respirator fit-testing, and use a respirator and personal protective equipment when required. Occasional travel and some alternate work hours may be required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences.
- Valid Class E driver license.
- Pass a pulmonary function test with medical evaluation, undergo and pass regular respirator fit-testing, and wear a respirator when required.
- Wear personal protective equipment when required.
- Skills in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Skills in liquid handling using micropipettes and serological pipettes.
- Ability to perform unit-conversion and dilution calculations.
- Ability to work in a Class 2 biological safety cabinet.
- Skills in aseptic techniques.
- Ability to demonstrate and understand technical instructions.
- Skills in handling and maintaining light, inverted, and fluorescent microscopes.
- Must be a current employee of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to be considered.
Responsibilities
- Perform virology tests, including virus neutralization, direct and indirect fluorescent antibody tests, rabies direct fluorescent antibody testing, ELISA, and real-time quantitative PCR.
- Maintain cell lines used for virus isolation and virology testing.
- Process clinical and necropsy samples to isolate and identify viruses.
- Prepare laboratory worksheets and maintain accurate, detailed records of test results.
- Coordinate test results in a timely manner using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Prepare reagents, stains, and solutions for viral diagnostic procedures.
- Maintain stock viruses and cell cultures and perform quality control on them according to established procedures.
- Maintain equipment QA/QC records and follow up on calibration and preventative maintenance.
- Assist with developing new SOPs and revising existing SOPs.
- Maintain Levey-Jennings charts for quantitative tests and assist with QA/QC documents in Q-Pulse.
- Participate in validation of new tests and complete required AAVLD, NVSL, and IVPTC proficiency checks.
- Determine laboratory supply needs and coordinate orders with the supervisor.
- Maintain orderly workstations and dispose of contaminated laboratory ware and viral cultures according to laboratory safety procedures.
- Cross-train in other microbiology and laboratory sections as required.
- Examine and evaluate new procedures and train new personnel.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Benefits
- Annual and sick leave benefits.
- Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year.
- State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance.
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Tuition waivers.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
