BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 42003483 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

6d • $48,324 - $57,989 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is for Internal Agency Employees Only within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Food Safety, Bureau of Laboratories. The role involves performing analysis of food using laboratory methods, verifying and interpreting analytical results, and ensuring quality assurance under ISO 17025. The position also requires maintaining inventories, performing technical reviews, collaborating on work problems and process improvements, and participating in laboratory readiness initiatives. The Biological Scientist III will also be involved in modifying protocols and developing/validating new methods, standardizing procedures, and maintaining personal expertise in analytical procedures and instrument technology.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (4 years) from an accredited college or university with a major in general biology, biochemistry, microbiology or cellular and molecular biology and two (2) years of related professional experience.
• A master’s degree (6 years) from an accredited college or university as described above and one (1) year of related professional experience as described above.
• A doctorate (8 years) from an accredited college or university as described above.
• Must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques used in biological research, analysis or testing.
• Knowledge of the procedures, techniques, and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection.
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment.
• Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences.
• Ability to conduct biological analyses using scientific methods and techniques.
• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to keep accurate research records.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the biological sciences.
• Ability to comply with strict procedural and quality control/quality assurance guidelines in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Ability to perform calculations.
• Ability to use laboratory computer applications (email, data processing, spreadsheet, database, word processing) in a networked environment.

Nice To Haves

• Occasional travel required.

Responsibilities

• Working independently, using standard operating procedures, performs analysis of food using laboratory methods in a timely manner.
• Verifies and interprets the analytical results generated.
• Works with supervisor, staff and laboratory quality manager to ensure quality assurance and ultimately, improvement, as required under ISO 17025.
• Ensures inventories (equipment and chemical/reagent) are current and complete.
• Performs technical review of data for peers, as required by section needs.
• Working with supervisor and team, makes decisions on work problems.
• Works on eliminating problems with the section, improving operating practices and procedures, promoting collaborations, team-building, and effectively interacting and coordinating with administrators/supervisors of other sections.
• Provides input to ensure proper working of section, including equipment maintenance, maintaining supplies (including reagent and chemicals) ensuring laboratory and work areas are clean and orderly, etc.
• Participates in cross-cutting laboratory issues, especially involving laboratory readiness, including Continuation of Operations Planning, Emergency Preparedness and Response, etc.
• Plans, with supervisor modification of protocols and development and validation/verification of new methods to be used within the laboratory; standardizes procedures for biological analyses in laboratories; develops improved analytical techniques.
• Maintains personal expertise in analytical procedures, instrument technology, quality assurance and improvement through self-motivation.
• Maintains applicable certifications to perform duties.
• Studies new developments in the industry.
• Complies with State and Department policies and procedures for analysis of foods.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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