Agricultural/Food Scientist II

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida invites applications for an Agricultural/Food Scientist II to lead analytical work in beef cattle nutrition studies and oversee laboratory data collection and reporting.

You will train staff, maintain safety practices, manage equipment and inventory, and collaborate with faculty on projects while ensuring compliance with GLP and EH&S standards.

Qualifications

• Doctoral or master's/bachelor's with relevant experience in agricultural science or biology.
• Experience analyzing samples (ELISA, GC, NDF/ADF) and reporting results to faculty.
• Supervising data collection, training staff, and coordinating with researchers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory and field data collection and analyses for beef production research.
• Maintain records, prepare laboratory reports and invoices for services.
• Manage lab supplies, dispose hazardous materials, and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Data collection

Lab safety

Beef cattle nutrition knowledge

Teaching/training

Education

Doctoral degree in agricultural science or biology

Master's degree in agricultural science or biology

Bachelor's degree in agricultural science or biology

Tools

Vytelle Sense / GrowSafe

C-Lock Software

Laboratory equipment handling

Job description

Agricultural/Food Scientist II

Job No: 540919

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Jackson

Categories: Agricultural Sciences, Physical/Mathematical Sciences

Department: 60770000 - AG-NFREC-QUINCY

Job Description

Classification Minimum Requirements

Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field; or a master's degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience.

• Expected to analyze samples using, but not limited to, enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), gas chromatography (GC), starch and fiber (NDF/ADF), and other analyses related to feed, forage, ruminal fermentation parameters, and blood metabolites and hormones. Provide results to faculty and make recommendations for modifying the analysis process. Oversees processes for maintaining current and accurate records and data. Provides technical assistance for planning, conducting, and publishing research projects.
  Responsible for maintaining safe lab practices and maintaining all laboratory equipment. Function as lab safety officer and ensure that staff are well trained to adhere to safety requirements. Teaches incoming team members how to properly use equipment.
• Collaborate with Animal Science faculty on collection of data related to their research and extension programs on improving beef cattle nutrition, production efficiency, management techniques, and health. Oversee all laboratory and field data collection and analyses of all beef production related research, and to provide oversight of the animal laboratory. Training and assisting, post-doctoral research associates, graduate and undergraduate students with data collection and analyses, supervising hourly labor and collaborating with other scientists and faculty will be expected.
• Receive, schedule, and process outside laboratory work timely and efficiently to make maximal use of recourses. Maintain detailed records and generate statements, laboratory reports and invoices for analytical services. Manage laboratory supplies inventory. Dispose of hazardous material appropriately and maintain MSDS to meet University of Florida EH&S inspection requirements and serve as NFREC-Marianna safety officer.
• Support daily function of sophisticated beef cattle feeding facility including management of Vytelle Sense (formerly GrowSafe) and C-Lock Inc. Software system and related equipment. Functions may range from data management to feed procurement to animal handling and will vary depending on the particular experiment. Periodic care of cannulated animals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Expected Salary: $53,000; commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications

Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field; or a master's degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience.

Preferred

Four-year college degree (B.S.) or MS Animal Sciences or a related field with experience or appropriate training in laboratory procedures (GLP) or 6-8 years equivalent training. Cattle handling ability a plus but not required. Willingness to learn and discover, and creativity will be highly regarded.

Health Assessment Required:Yes

Applications Close: 07 October 2026

Our Commitment:

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.