RESEARCH SCIENTIST I-SES - 42003774

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

1d • $55,000 - $60,000

About The Position

This is a professional position responsible for expert plant disease diagnosis, with particular emphasis on plant pathogens isolated from plant tissue or the plant environment, and for maintaining a collection of plant pathogens of Florida.
The incumbent spends majority of their time communicating with, motivating, providing, or coordinating training, and directing the work of subordinates. In addition, the incumbent must complete timely performance appraisals, develop accurate work plans, and timely approve attendance and leave for each subordinate. Incumbent has the authority to make recommendations for special pay increases, reclassifications, hiring, and disciplinary actions, when appropriate.

Requirements

• A doctorate from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in agriculture, or one of the biological, physical, or natural sciences.
• 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. A list of approved agencies can be viewed at “Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies, Florida Department of Education.” Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies (fldoe.org)
• Requires possession of a valid driver license.
• Knowledge of conventional and molecular diagnostic techniques, including, but not limited to gross and microscopic morphology, immunoassay, DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and sequence analysis.
• Skill in Isolating and cultivating plant pathogenic bacteria, fungi and oomycetes, and testing their pathogenicity.
• Skill in the preparation of scientific reports and articles.
• Ability to compile, organize, and analyze data and make regulatory recommendations.
• Ability to motivate, train, and supervise employees.
• Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and mentor’s laboratory, greenhouse and quarantine personnel. Responds to new plant disease emergencies.
• Diagnoses plant disease problems. Responsible for proper identification of plant pathogens and maintaining culture collection. Specifically responsible for oomycete disease diagnoses.
• Investigates to determine the pathogenicity of new fungal, bacterial and oomycete isolates from new plant disease and the identification of pathogens and establishment of control measures. Collaborates with university, federal, and industry scientists on control of those diseases.
• Conducts field investigations / surveys to determine noteworthy plant diseases with division, university, federal, and industry personnel.
• Trains and teaches division, university, federal, and industry personnel.
• Writes, edits and reviews professional manuscripts and documents for internal and public distribution.
• Advises and assists public and private growers on-site in response to specific plant disease problems.
• Other administrative duties as requested 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 (For more information, please visit www.myfrs.com;)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree