Sr Biological Scientist

University of South Florida; Key West (FL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO), an institute of the University of South Florida, seeks a Sr. Biological Scientist to manage the Seawater Systems at the Keys Marine Laboratory in Layton, FL.

The role includes vessel operation, lead scientific diving, and collaboration with visiting researchers for sampling and data collection. Qualified candidates will have extensive coastal marine sampling experience, SCUBA certification with open water dives, and AAUS status preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of scientific sampling in coastal marine environments.
• SCUBA certifications with 50 open water dives required; AAUS status preferred.
• Ability to operate small vessels up to 30’ in coastal waters.

Responsibilities

• Operate and manage the Seawater Systems at KML.
• Captain vessels and act as lead science diver.
• Assist visiting university education and research groups at KML and on the water as vessel operator.
• Assist researchers with site selection, sampling, data collection, and data management.
• Contribute to research protocol design, data analysis, and preparation of publications.

Skills

SCUBA diving certification

Boat handling

Scientific sampling knowledge

Job description

Position Details

Dept Number/Name: 471000 - Florida Institute of Oceanography

Location: Florida Keys, Layton, FL

Salary Plan: Administrative

Job Code/Title: 5035 / Sr. Biological Scientist

Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $58,250 to $68,000 (commensurate based on experience)

Position Number: 100017880

Organizational Summary:

The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is an institute of the University of South Florida that connects Florida’s academic, public, and private partners to the marine environment through oceanographic research, education, workforce development, and applied maritime operations. As a regional marine science and technology resource, FIO provides access to research vessels, specialized marine equipment, field operations expertise, and the Keys Marine Laboratory to support discovery, student learning, environmental stewardship, and solutions to complex coastal and ocean challenges.

Through its vessels, facilities, and experienced maritime professionals, FIO enables researchers, students, agencies, and industry partners to conduct work on, in, and around the water safely and effectively. FIO supports oceanographic research while also serving as a broader platform for interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, marine technology testing, public-private collaboration, and workforce development. As part of USF, FIO strengthens the university’s role as a leader in ocean science, coastal resilience, and marine innovation while serving the needs of Florida and the broader ocean community.

Position Description:

Incumbent will serve as the Manager of the Florida Institute of Oceanography - Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) seawater systems to operate and managethe Seawater Systems at the KML in addition to captaining vessels and acting as lead science diver. Incumbent must have depth of knowledge of scientific sampling in the coastal marine environment, as this position is located at the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), Layton FL in the Florida Keys.

As a requirement, incumbent must have sufficient boat handling skills to safely operate small vessels up to 30’ length in marine coastal waters.Position will perform specific tasks that will include assisting visiting university education and research groups at KML and on the water as vessel operator (sometimes as the sole operator). Incumbent will assist visiting researchers at KML which may include site selection, sampling, and data collection, and data management and transfer. Tasks may include contributions to the design and execution of research protocols, data analysis, and preparation of publications.As a requirement incumbent must be currently certified SCUBA diver with a minimum of 50 open water dives (Advanced and Rescue Diver certifications, AAUS status preferred).

Incumbent must be able to attain AAUS scientific diver status within 2 months to support KML's SCUBA mission critically to support scientists, graduate students, and undergraduates in their collection and sampling of specimens in the field.

Incumbent must have depth of knowledge of scientific sampling in the coastal marine environment, as this onsite position is located at the marine field station, Layton, Florida in the Florida Keys. This position will report directly to the KML Associate Director position on the KML Layton campus location.