Biological Scientist II

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 47,700 - 58,300; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida invites applications for a Biological Scientist II in St. Lucie, FL. The role focuses on managing insect colonies, coordinating research activities, and ensuring compliance with biosafety protocols while assisting PI and outreach efforts.

Experience with laboratory and field procedures, data collection, and report writing is required. A Bachelor's degree in biology or related field plus experience or a Master's with relevant experience are preferred; valid driver's

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field with 3 years' experience or Master's degree with 1 year of relevant experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Valid Florida Pesticide Applicator License.

Responsibilities

• Manages insect colonies in quarantine and non-quarantine labs; oversees staff in PI's absence; maintains clean, safe labs and equipment.
• Performs lab and field research; records observations, analyzes data, and reports results to PI; travels to research sites as needed.
• Compiles and analyzes data on colony health, production, and performance; writes reports.
• Coordinates procurement and inventory of lab and field supplies; supports outreach and Extension activities.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Driver's license

GIS

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Master's degree in biology or related field with 1 year experience

Tools

Laboratory techniques

Job description

Biological Scientist II

Job No: 540503

Work Type: Full Time

Location: St. Lucie

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Grant or Research Administration

Department: 60760000 - AG-IRREC-FT. PIERCE

Job Description

Classification Title: Biological Scientist II

Classification Minimum Requirements: 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.

Responsibilities

• Manages insect colonies in both quarantine and non-quarantine laboratory environments, ensuring colony health, productivity, and compliance with applicable protocols. Provides oversight and direction to field and laboratory personnel in the absence of the Principal Investigator (PI), ensuring continuity of operations and adherence to research protocols. Ensures clean, organized, and safe laboratory, greenhouse, and research workspaces. Responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining clean rooms and equipment.
• Conducts laboratory and field research activities, including the implementation of experimental procedures, data collection, and monitoring of study progress. Records observations, takes measurements, conducts appropriate statistical analysis, and maintains detailed research procedures and results. With the approval of the PI, modifies existing research protocols to improve existing techniques. Travels to research sites and operates University and State vehicles as required to support field operations and research activities.
• Compiles, summarizes, analyzes, and reports data related to laboratory and field experiments, as well as insect colony health, production, and performance. Writes out reports based on research findings.
• Coordinates the procurement of laboratory and field supplies, including ordering, receiving, inspecting, and maintaining inventories of materials and equipment. Supports receipt and inspection of raw materials, and ordering and stocking of materials and equipment.
• Assists with Extension programs, community outreach initiatives, educational events, and stakeholder engagement activities. Operates University and State vehicles as needed to support outreach and Extension functions.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Salary

$53,000

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.
• Valid driver's license.
• Valid Florida Pesticide Applicator License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with insect biology, insect colony maintenance and rearing, general laboratory techniques, geographic information systems (GIS), and statistical analysis. Experience conducting both laboratory- and field-based scientific research and experiments.
• Experience working in quarantine laboratory environments and adhering to associated regulatory and biosafety protocols.
• Degree in biology, entomology, environmental science, or a closely related field.

Additional Information

Applicants must be current University of Florida employees. Due to the essential nature of this position and the need to provide timely care for live insect colonies, the selected candidate must reside locally and be able to report to work as needed. This is a TEAMS TIME-LIMITED Grant Funded position who will work performing laboratory procedures. The position is open to current UF employees only.

Health Assessment Required: Yes

Applications Close: 20 July 2026

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/540503

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.