Biological Scientist II

University of Florida; Florida; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida seeks a Biological Scientist II in Orange, FL to lead plant breeding, germplasm management, and molecular/genomic research activities, including field and greenhouse trials and data generation. Responsibilities include coordinating daily activities with faculty and students, maintaining labs and equipment, training personnel, and performing data analysis and reporting.

A Bachelor's degree with 3 years of experience or a Master's with 1 year is required; travel to site

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field with 3 years of experience, or Master's degree in biology or related field with 1 year of experience.
• Valid Florida driver's license required.
• PhD in plant breeding, genetics, horticulture, agronomy, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement breeding nurseries, field trials, greenhouse experiments, and controlled-environment tests.
• Perform molecular biology procedures: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, genotyping; run GWAS and genomic analyses.
• Coordinate day-to-day research with faculty and students; train staff; maintain equipment.
• Manage research data and databases; assist with statistical analysis and visualization.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to grant objectives.

Skills

Plant breeding

Germplasm management

Molecular biology

Data analysis

R

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Master's degree in biology or related field (with one year experience)

Tools

R

Python

Genotyping

Job description

Job no: 541428
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Orange
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department: 60870000 - AG-MREC-APOPKA

Classification Title:

Biological Scientist 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:

Plant Breeding and Germplasm Management-Plan, modify designs, and implement breeding nurseries, field trials, greenhouse experiments, and controlled-environment experiments. Assist with the development, maintenance, evaluation, and advancement of germplasm. Driving to site locations will be required.

Molecular and Genomic Research-Perform molecular biology procedures, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, genotyping, and related laboratory techniques. Perform sequencing, QTL mapping, GWAS, genomic prediction, and other quantitative-genetic analyses.

Research Program Coordination-Coordinate day-to-day research activities with faculty PI, graduate students, undergraduate researchers. Maintain laboratory, greenhouse, field, and research equipment. Train and supervise students, technicians, and other research personnel.

Data Management and Analysis-Maintain, organize research records and databases. Assist with statistical analysis and visualization of breeding and experimental data.

Other-Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and contribute to grant-funded research objecti

$53,000; commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications:

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.

A valid State of Florida Driver’s License is required.

Preferred:

• PhD’s degree in plant breeding, genetics, horticulture, agronomy, or specialty-crop research.
• Experience with controlled crosses, plant propagation, seed handling, and breeding population management.
• Experience conducting field or greenhouse experiments.
• Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, genotyping, or other molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with plant phenotyping and image-based data collection.
• Experience using R, Python, or other statistical/data-analysis software.
• Experience working with QTL mapping, GWAS, genomic selection, genomic prediction, or other quantitative-genetic approaches.
• Good inter-personal skills and demonstrated ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment

Health Assessment Required:

Health Assessment Required: Yes

Advertised: 28 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 19 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.