Laboratory Technician I

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida Laboratory Technician I in Polk supports ongoing citrus pest research by maintaining greenhouse citrus plants and insect cultures. Responsibilities include watering, fertilizing, pruning, propagating plants and keeping the greenhouse clean, while assisting with DNA extractions and data collection.

The role involves rearing insects, preparing plant materials for experiments, and ensuring materials are available for ongoing studies.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in an appropriate area; or a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience.
• Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Water, fertilize, prune and monitor citrus plants; propagate and organize plants; assist with greenhouse sanitation.
• Rearing and maintaining insect colonies; prepare plants for experiments; monitor colony health and numbers.
• Help ensure research materials are available; collect data and maintain data sheets for analysis.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and gather supplies for field experiments and lab cleanliness.

Skills

Greenhouse maintenance

Insect rearing

Data recording

Laboratory sanitation

Education

Associate's degree in an appropriate area

High school diploma or equivalent with two years related experience

Job description

Laboratory Technician I

Job No: 540921

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Polk

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agricultural Sciences

Department: 60731000 - AG-CREC-ENTOMOLOGY

Job Description

Classification Title: Laboratory Technician I

Classification Minimum Requirements: Associate's degree in an appropriate area; or a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience. Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

This position will support research activities in the laboratory by maintaining greenhouse citrus plants and insect cultures used in experiments. Duties will include watering, fertilizing, pruning, monitoring plant health, propagating and organizing citrus plants, and assisting with greenhouse sanitation. The position will also involve rearing and maintaining insect colonies, preparing plants for experiments, monitoring colony health and numbers, and helping ensure that research materials are available when needed. The individual will work closely with laboratory personnel to support ongoing studies on citrus pests, plant–insect interactions, and pest management. Driving to greenhouses will be required. Responsibilities will also include maintenance of insect cultures for use in the research program; preparation, manipulation, confirmation of plants and insects or DNA extractions, and aiding with general laboratory maintenance activities. The incumbent will collect data and maintain data sheets for subsequent analysis. Daily tasks may include maintaining laboratory equipment and gathering supplies for field experiments and maintenance of clean laboratory environment. Responsible for maintaining continuity of form for computer reduction of data and for maintaining access to data for review and analysis purposes.

Expected Salary

$16.76 per hour

Required Qualifications

Associate's degree in an appropriate area; or a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience. Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience

Preferred

Two years of experience in citrus care and pest management. Experience in maintaining insects and plants in greenhouse environments. Experience in working outside in commercial citrus groves. Experience with DNA/RNA isolation from plant and animal tissues, and conducting quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Health Assessment Required: Yes

Applications Close: 20 August 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.