Biological Scientist II (Boyd Lab)

University of Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida is seeking a Biological Scientist II to conduct and coordinate field, greenhouse, and laboratory trials, focusing on targeted spray technologies and other agricultural innovations. The role involves data collection, analysis, and collaboration on scholarly outputs, with supervision of students and OPS staff as needed.

Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of experience or a Master’s with 1 year, and must obtain a pesticide license within 3 months of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field with 3 years experience or Master’s degree with 1 year experience.
• Pesticide license within 3 months of hire.
• Experience with targeted spray systems in specialty crops.
• Experience training AI programs for pest detection and identification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and coordinate field, greenhouse, and laboratory trials with minimal supervision.
• Collect, organize, manage, analyze, and interpret data from field and laboratory trials.
• Coordinate with research groups and collaborators on evaluating agricultural technologies.
• Operate and maintain targeted spray systems and other research equipment; supervise staff as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned and coordinate field/greenhouse experiments with minimal supervision.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Weed science

Plant biology/biochemistry

Image annotation tools

Pest detection

Experimental design

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

AI program training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

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

Doctoral degree in biological science

Tools

Targeted spray systems

Pesticide license

Job description

Job no: 541936 Work type: Staff Full-Time Location: Hillsborough Categories: Grant or Research Administration, Agricultural Sciences Department: 60754100 - AG-GCREC-FRUITS-VEG

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:

Conduct and coordinate research trials: Conduct and coordinate field, greenhouse, and laboratory trials with minimal supervision, emphasizing the evaluation of targeted spray technologies and other agricultural technologies. Implement research methodologies, modify procedures as needed, and cultivate and maintain plant specimens for research purposes.

Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret research data: Collect, organize, manage, analyze, and interpret data generated through field and laboratory trials. Apply and modify computational methods as needed to support research objectives and ensure the accuracy and integrity of research data.

Contribute to research publications and collaborative activities: Conduct literature reviews and contribute to research papers, technical reports, and other scholarly activities. Coordinate with research groups and collaborators involved in the evaluation of agricultural technologies.

Operate and maintain research equipment and support research activities: Operate and maintain targeted spray systems and other research equipment. Maintain clean, safe, and orderly laboratory, greenhouse, and field work areas. Supervise students and part-time employees, as needed, to support research activities and adherence to established procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

The employee will work under the direct supervision of the head of the program but is expected to coordinate field and greenhouse experiments with minimal supervision.

Exercised: Applicant is expected to supervise OPS employees and will also support graduate students to help them achieve their objectives.

Normal work week schedule is from 8 am to 5 pm, but earlier or later hours may be required on certain occasions.

This position requires a pesticide license within 3 months of hire.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree in biological science or a closely related field or a master’s degree with one year of relevant experience.
• Experience working with targeted spray systems in specialty crops.
• Experience training AI programs for pest detection and identification.

Preference given for candidates with:

• 1. Knowledge of weed science and weed management practices related to fruit, vegetable, and ornamental production in Florida.
• 2. Knowledge of plant biology/biochemistry.
• 3. Knowledge of programs used for image annotation and the use of varying machine learning programs for pest detection and identification.
• 4. Experience operating targeted spray systems.
• 5. Knowledge of experimental designs.
• 6. Ability to use Excel, Word, and Powerpoint for data entry, report writing and development of extension materials.

Health Assessment Required: Yes; pesticide program only.

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.