Biological Scientist III

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida is seeking a Biological Scientist III to lead molecular and functional genomic work in the PI's lab. You will design and execute experiments, analyze data, and contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals. You will mentor team members and manage breeding colonies of echinoderms.

Responsibilities include developing Standard Operating Procedures, maintaining records, coordinating safety programs, and managing budgets and equipment procurement for complex projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field with 7+ years of experience, or Master's with 5+ years; Doctoral with 2+ years.
• Experience with molecular and functional genomic research using echinoderms (sea stars and sea urchins).
• Ability to design and execute experiments, analyze data, and write manuscripts and grants.
• Maintain detailed lab records and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all molecular and functional genomic research activity in the lab of the PI.
• Design and execute experiments; lead related research; analyze data; write manuscripts and grants.
• Train and mentor lab members; care for breeding colonies of echinoderms.
• Prepare proposals, monitor equipment, review reports, and coordinate procurement.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

DNA/RNA extraction

In situ hybridization

CRISPR/Cas9

Microinjection

Transgenesis

qPCR

scRNA-seq

Marine invertebrate husbandry

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology

Master's degree in biology

Doctoral degree in biology

Tools

Epifluorescence microscopy

Confocal microscopy

Bioinformatics

RNA sequencing analysis

Job description

Biological Scientist III

Job No: 541499

Work Type: Full Time

Location: St. Johns

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Grant or Research Administration

Department: 57130100 - WH-ADMINISTRATION

Job Description

Classification Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field and seven years of experience, or a Master's degree in biology or a related field with five years of experience. Doctoral degree in biology or a related field with two years of experience.

The ideal candidate will have broad experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques using echinoderms, including sea stars (e.g., Patiria miniata) and sea urchins (e.g., Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, Lytechinus variegatus). The ideal candidate will be familiar with methods such as DNA and RNA extraction, in situ hybridization, gene manipulation/editing techniques (morpholinos, CRISPR/Cas9), microinjection of embryos, transgenesis, quantitative PCR, single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis, gene regulatory network construction and modeling, epifluorescence and confocal microscopy, and cloning. Experience with bioinformatic/computational analysis of high-throughput sequencing data is preferred. Experience with maintaining and feeding marine invertebrates, including breeding colonies of echinoderms, is required.

The Biological Scientist will oversee all molecular and functional genomic research activity of the lab's Principal Investigator (PI). It is expected that the incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of experiments that include the design and execution of experiments, leading research activities related to these topics, performing data analysis, and writing manuscripts and grants.

Additional work includes:

• Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work
• Review reports and proposals for accuracy, adequacy, or adherence to policies, regulations, or scientific standards
• Monitor or operate specialized equipment
• Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects
• Provide routine maintenance on laboratory equipment; verify that equipment and instrumentation are maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results
• Evaluate/recommend new supplies, technologies, and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings for enhancing or complementing research
• Confederate with vendors to evaluate new equipment or reagents or to discuss the customization of product lines to meet user requirements
• Maintain accurate laboratory records that record research methods, procedures, and results; prepare and maintain research findings, summaries, logs, and notes
• Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data

Perform research as part of a team, as well as train and mentor other lab members on established or new protocols that are established. This position will also lead and assist with the care and maintenance of the lab's breeding colonies of echinoderms.

The proposed incumbent will also have the following responsibilities:

• Create standard protocols for all laboratory operations/equipment to PI's standards; Insure Standard Operating Procedures and protocols are maintained and applied,
• Maintain detailed record keeping and data collection of all experiments,
• Maintain the laboratory equipment and physical laboratory area,
• Coordinate the developmental safety program for all laboratory settings, or specialized scientific or hazardous materials stores,
• Outline experimental protocols,
• Review papers and abstracts,
• Be able to relay information to the public, students, and fellow scientists,
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations for hazardous waste disposal,
• Develop laboratory procedures,
• Monitor laboratory operating budgets and expenditures; identify purchasing needs; obtain and evaluate vendor quotations; initiate and track purchase requests; coordinate procurement of equipment and supplies; and communicate with vendors and institutional purchasing personnel regarding orders, invoices, delivery, and product requirements.
• Aid in selection of methodology and techniques and develop a research budget that fits within the scope of grant opportunities,
• Perform basic statistical evaluation and assistance with preparation of manuscripts and grant proposals, literature searches, retrieval of material, data processing and entry for research duties,
• Coordinate multiple concurrent research projects and associated activities, including establishing timelines, prioritizing tasks, monitoring progress toward milestones, coordinating personnel and resources, and communicating project status and anticipated needs to the PI.
• Help students/PI analyze existing methodologies, formulate hypotheses, and develop new procedures, strong experimental design techniques, and understanding

Expected Salary

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field and seven years of experience, or a Master's degree in biology or a related field with five years of experience. Doctoral degree in biology or a related field with two years of experience.

Preferred

Candidates should have at least 2-3 years of post-Ph.D. degree training, evidence of publication in leading journals within the field, and work experience by the time of employment. Postdoctoral experience in the mentioned fields is highly desired. The candidate should be familiar with university purchasing and data management systems. This individual should be able to work effectively with peers, leadership, faculty, and outside organizations, manage multiple projects, prioritize duties, and work well under pressure. This individual should be enthusiastic about the Whitney Lab's mission, highly motivated and dedicated to their work, and able to function well as part of a larger team. The individual must have excellent personal service skills, communication skills, and the ability to converse, teach, and/or work around people of all ages. Must have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to change priorities and address challenges in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge and experience with personal computers, database programs, and audiovisual equipment are preferred.

Health Assessment Required

No

Applications Close: 02 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.