Biological Scientist I

University of Florida•Palm Beach, FL

9d•$23 - $25

About The Position

The Biological Scientist I conducts molecular experiments to assess plant pathogens in insects and plants, assists with insect bioassays, and performs related laboratory, greenhouse, and field research. The role includes operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory equipment; processing insect and plant samples; counting and identifying insects under a microscope; maintaining plant and insect colonies; managing chemical inventory; and following UF laboratory safety guidelines. The position conducts field insect surveys and plant sample collections, coordinates collection dates and routes, supports greenhouse trials and data collection, and organizes field data for analysis. It also operates state-approved vehicles to reach external work sites and maintains driving logs. The Biological Scientist I collaborates with graduate students, interns, volunteers, OPS, and TEAMS employees to coordinate work in laboratories, greenhouses, and fields. Under PI guidance, the role participates in hiring panels, interviews, and onboarding, and provides training and guidance to new graduate-level researchers and laboratory staff. Office duties include sourcing, purchasing, and managing procurement of laboratory, greenhouse, and field supplies; reviewing, editing, and proofreading presentations, manuscripts, and grant reports for students and the PI; and keeping current with required UF trainings. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related life science field.
Valid Florida driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in entomology, biology, or a closely related field.
Prior experience in insect bioassays, molecular techniques, and conducting field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments.
Good computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets.
Motivation to learn new skills.

Responsibilities

Conduct molecular experiments to assess plant pathogens in insects and plants.
Help conduct insect bioassays and related experiments.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment.
Process insect and plant samples and count and identify insects under a microscope.
Maintain plant and insect colonies.
Maintain chemical inventory and comply with UF laboratory safety guidelines.
Conduct field insect surveys and plant sample collections, coordinating dates and routes.
Support greenhouse trials and data collection.
Collect and organize field data for subsequent analysis.
Operate state-approved vehicles to reach external work sites and maintain driving logs.
Coordinate work activities with graduate students, student interns, volunteers, OPS, and TEAMS employees in labs, greenhouses, and fields.
Provide training and guidance to new graduate-level researchers and laboratory staff.
Participate in hiring panels, conduct interviews, and onboard new hires under PI guidance.
Source, purchase, and manage procurement of laboratory, greenhouse, and field supplies.
Review, edit, and proofread presentations, manuscripts, and grant reports for students and the PI.
Keep up to date on UF required trainings.
Perform other duties as assigned.