Biological Scientist II

University of Florida•St. Lucie, FL

1d•$53,000•Onsite

About The Position

This is a TEAMS TIME-LIMITED Grant Funded position who will work performing laboratory procedures. The Biological Scientist II will manage insect colonies in both quarantine and non-quarantine laboratory environments, ensuring colony health, productivity, and compliance with applicable protocols. This role provides oversight and direction to field and laboratory personnel in the absence of the Principal Investigator (PI), ensuring continuity of operations and adherence to research protocols. The position is responsible for maintaining clean, organized, and safe laboratory, greenhouse, and research workspaces, including cleaning and disinfecting clean rooms and equipment. The Biological Scientist II will conduct laboratory and field research activities, collect data, monitor study progress, record observations, perform statistical analysis, and maintain detailed research records. This role may involve modifying existing research protocols with PI approval, and traveling to research sites using University and State vehicles. Additionally, the Biological Scientist II will compile, summarize, analyze, and report data, write reports based on research findings, and coordinate the procurement of laboratory and field supplies. The position also supports Extension programs, community outreach, educational events, and stakeholder engagement activities, and may operate University and State vehicles for these functions. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience or Master’s degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience.
Valid driver's license.
Valid Florida Pesticide Applicator License.
Experience conducting both laboratory- and field-based scientific research and experiments is required.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience with insect biology, insect colony maintenance and rearing, general laboratory techniques, geographic information systems (GIS), and statistical analysis.
Experience working in quarantine laboratory environments and adhering to associated regulatory and biosafety protocols is preferred.
Degree in biology, entomology, environmental science, or a closely related field

Responsibilities

Manages insect colonies in both quarantine and non-quarantine laboratory environments, ensuring colony health, productivity, and compliance with applicable protocols.
Provides oversight and direction to field and laboratory personnel in the absence of the Principal Investigator (PI), ensuring continuity of operations and adherence to research protocols.
Ensures clean, organized, and safe laboratory, greenhouse, and research workspaces.
Responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining clean rooms and equipment.
Conducts laboratory and field research activities, including the implementation of experimental procedures, data collection, and monitoring of study progress.
Records observations, takes measurements, conducts appropriate statistical analysis, and maintains detailed research procedures and results.
With the approval of the PI, modifies existing research protocols to improve existing techniques.
Travels to research sites and operates University and State vehicles as required to support field operations and research activities.
Compiles, summarizes, analyzes, and reports data related to laboratory and field experiments, as well as insect colony health, production, and performance.
Writes out reports based on research findings.
Coordinates the procurement of laboratory and field supplies, including ordering, receiving, inspecting, and maintaining inventories of materials and equipment.
Supports receipt and inspection of raw materials, and ordering and stocking of materials and equipment.
Assists with Extension programs, community outreach initiatives, educational events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
Operates University and State vehicles as needed to support outreach and Extension functions.
Other Duties as assigned