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Biological Scientist I or II

Work type: Staff Full-Time

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Veteran's Preference Eligible

Department: 60180000 - AG-ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE

Classification Title:

Biological Scientist I or II

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Level I:

Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, soil science, or related field.

Level II:

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.

Job Description:

Research Support & Data Collection

Work closely with PI and lab members to support scientific research on improving nursery production practices and developing actionable solutions to support growers and other stakeholders with a concentration on the advancement of soilless substrate science. Oversee and manage research experiments in the field (on-site nursery and greenhouse) and laboratory. Assist with student research projects and manage PI research. Conduct biological research in accordance with stipulated protocols and quality and safety standards. Maintain research schedules. Organize data collection and ensure that all data is recorded on time and accurately. Support collaborative efforts and coordinate activities with stakeholders.

Additional Level II Duties:

+ Develop detailed reports on trials. Conduct basic statistical analyses and generate figures.

+ Provide detailed, independent analysis of data collected during research

+ Supervise student assistants and direct student research projects.

Lab Maintenance

Maintain a safe, clean, and organized workspace and lab. Upkeep of the laboratory, research facilities, equipment, and supplies. Participate in and coordinate the cleaning and organization of the laboratory. Monitor laboratory equipment performance and arrange maintenance or repair as needed. Maintain accurate inventory of lab materials and supplies and ensure that consumables are kept stocked. Ensure greenhouse and nursery research areas are operational and clean.

Additional Level II Duties:

+ Develop and implement upgrades for laboratory and greenhouse facilities as needed.

Support Extension Programming

Coordinate extension activities and newsletter composition and other outputs. This entails assisting with extension workshops, field days, demonstrations, and stakeholder visits. Compiling articles for nursery science newsletter and other extension outputs. May at times travel to stakeholder to support on-farm demonstrations.

Additional Level II Duties:

+ Contribute to extension outputs. Assist with development of presentations, and lab-related content for newsletters.

+ Maintain relationships with lab trialing partners and stakeholders and coordinate activities and lab trials.

Plant Care & Maintenance

Take care of plant materials as they come into the lab before research activities. When plants are received, they will need to be unboxed, moved to greenhouse and watered. Coordinate and participate in propagation of research plant materials.

Additional Level II Duties:

+ Ensure healthy production of research plants

+ Develop propagation techniques and support advanced plant propagation techniques.

Expected Salary:

Level I:

$20.02 - $21.55/hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Level II:

$46,000 - $48,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Required Qualifications:

Level I: Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, soil science, or related field.

Level II: 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.

This position requires a Florida Driver's License

Preferred:

+ Degree (preferably Master's) in Horticulture, Soils, Plant Science or related field

+ Practical experience in nursery, greenhouse, or other plant production operations

+ Strong record-keeping and data management skills

+ Experience with programming data collection & irrigation systems

+ Ability to work in unfavorable weather conditions

+ Proficiency in multitasking

+ Highly organized & with good communication skills

+ Any relevant operational management experience is a plus

+ Eagerness to learn and contribute to a positive work environment

+ Valid Florida Driver's License

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered for this position, please upload cover letter, resume or CV, and the names and contact information for three professional references. When ready, the hiring department will contact the listed references via email requesting their reference letters to be uploaded directly to the application website.

This is a time-limited position. Time limited positions are based on circumstances, such as funding sources, which control the length of time for which the position is available.

This position requires a Florida Driver's License.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This position is eligible for Veteran’s preference. If you are claiming Veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See ourVeteran's Preference Page (https://jobs.ufl.edu/applicant-resources/veterans/) for more specific information.

Health Assessment Required:No

Advertised: 05 May 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 20 May 2025 Eastern Daylight Time