BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42001582

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

4d • $40,000 - $44,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional position responsible for performing a variety of biological tasks related to diagnosis of fungal and oomycete diseases in plants, as well as identifying abiotic plant disorders. The role involves assisting with routine diagnostic activities, including the isolation of fungal and oomycete plant pathogens, execution of molecular protocols for pathogen identification, and maintaining DNA samples and database accuracy. Responsibilities include cataloging submitted samples, preparing culture media, and reporting diagnostic results. The position also involves leading investigations of unknown fungal and oomycete plant diseases in the absence of a supervisor, assisting with literature research, and providing support during on-site visits for urgent plant health issues. Additionally, the role contributes to serological and molecular tests, serves as a member of a multidisciplinary molecular team, and assists in the development of scientific publications. Daily operations of the plant pathology laboratory and supply ordering are also part of the duties.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (4 years) from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences and one (1) year of related professional experience; or A master’s degree (6 years) from an accredited college or university as described above.
• Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• Graduates utilizing education attained in the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position will not be appointed until verification of the applicable degree has been obtained.
• Foreign trained graduates utilizing a degree attained outside of the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position must be prepared to provide a copy of a credential evaluation conducted by an Approved Credential Evaluation Agency.
• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
• Knowledge of common plant diseases and their management.
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques for the isolation, identification, purification, and storage of fungal and oomycete pathogens.
• Knowledge of molecular diagnostic methods, including DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, Koch’s postulates, microscopy, and other plant pathogen detection tools.
• Skill working with plant pathogenic microorganisms.
• Skill in the accurate use of pipettes of various styles and volume ranges.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to operate scientific laboratory and specialized equipment, including field instruments, autoclaves, microscopes, and molecular diagnostic platforms.
• Skill in conducting literature research and preparing scientific documents.
• Skill with personal computers, and word‑processing software.
• Skill in record keeping, sample tracking, laboratory organization, and adherence to general laboratory safety practices.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Ability to understand and follow technical instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, is required.

Responsibilities

• Performing a variety of biological tasks related to diagnosis of fungal and oomycete diseases in plants, as well as identifying abiotic plant disorders.
• Assisting with routine diagnostic activities, including the isolation of fungal and oomycete plant pathogens.
• Executing molecular protocols for pathogen identification such as DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and Sanger sequencing.
• Providing support for ongoing experiments.
• Maintaining DNA samples and keeping the DNA database accurate, organized, and up to date.
• Accurately cataloging submitted samples, preparing culture media, and reporting diagnostic results to other specialists for verification when necessary.
• Receiving and processing plant and soil samples submitted to the Plant Pathology Section.
• Leading investigations of unknown fungal and oomycete plant diseases in the absence of the supervisor and assisting with literature research.
• Providing support during on-site visits to assess urgent plant health issues when necessary.
• Assisting in conducting serological and molecular tests to support and confirm morphology-based identification methods.
• Serving as a member of the department’s multidisciplinary molecular team, which supports Botany, Entomology, Nematology, and Plant Pathology programs by providing assistance in the molecular identification of other organisms.
• Contributing to the development of periodic circulars, fact sheets, and peer-reviewed manuscripts as a sole, lead, or collaborating author on economically important or commonly encountered plant diseases and related topics.
• Assisting in daily operations of the plant pathology laboratory and placing supply orders as needed.
• Performing other related work as required by management.

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 other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level