BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42005986 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)

State of Florida • Kissimmee, FL

2d • $55,000 - $59,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves in the Molecular Biology Section of the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (BADDL). The role involves performing high-quality molecular analyses on clinical samples, coordinating with the Section Head for timely reporting of results, and ensuring adherence to quality control programs and regulatory mandates. The incumbent will process and test a wide variety of samples, serve as a Case Coordinator, and maintain laboratory operations to the highest standards. This role also involves training new employees and performing other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree 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 from an accredited college or university as described above.
• Possession of a valid driver license.
• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed.
• Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields must be filled out to determine qualifications.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
• Must be very comfortable using a respirator and working under directional airflow conditions in a containment facility that has an interlocking door system and has "shower out" restrictions for egress.
• Must pass a pulmonary function test with medical evaluation.
• Must undergo and pass regular respirator fit-testing, and must wear a respirator when required.
• Must wear a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) when required.
• Knowledge in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Skill in liquid handling using micropipetters in low light conditions as reagents are light sensitive.
• Ability to perform calculations for unit conversions and dilutions.
• Ability to receive and demonstrate understanding of technical instruction.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Competence, technical judgement, and a high degree of independence in performing molecular analytical tests such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR) and other molecular test procedures.
• Fostering a collaborative environment.
• Training new employees or cross-section employees in Molecular tests.

Responsibilities

• Daily performance of molecular section tests for clinical samples.
• Collection and entering of accurate test results in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Coordinating with the Section Head for timely reporting of test results to clients.
• Processing and testing of a wide variety of samples received from various sources including necropsy, large animals, food animals, small animals, zoo animals, wild animals, avian species, environmental samples, and mosquitoes.
• Serving as a Case Coordinator for accessions/samples submitted to the section, ordering the right tests, performing tests, and entering results into LIMS for accurate reporting.
• Ensuring timely and accurate reports are available for Section Head review and release to clients, sample submitters, program managers, and other authorized parties.
• Enforcing strict adherence to BADDL QA/QC programs, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory mandates to ensure compliance with AAVLD standards.
• Strictly following National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) protocols for USDA-regulated diagnostic tests without deviation after initial training.
• Performing periodic proficiency testing and maintaining well-organized, digitally accessible test records.
• Assisting team members with special projects and general laboratory procedures under the direction of the Section Head.
• Maximizing laboratory efficiency by optimizing daily work assignments through teamwork.
• Preparing in-house controls or reagents, performing quality control testing, and aliquoting approved reagents.
• Labeling and storing controls or reagents according to established protocols.
• Maintaining and operating the lab with the highest quality standards for yearly audits and inspections.
• Maintaining test procedures and result analysis records in an organized, easy to understand, and easily accessible digital format.
• Ensuring laboratory organization, cleanliness, and maintenance of equipment function and calibration logs.
• Responsible for the operational integrity and preventive maintenance of critical laboratory equipment, including thermocyclers and extraction robots.
• Maintaining calibration logs in full compliance with quality programs to ensure testing accuracy.
• Providing guidance and training to new Molecular employees on established procedures.
• Performing other related duties or holiday duties as assigned by supervisor or the Department Head.

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