60140000 - AG-ENTOMOLOGY AND NEMATOLOGY

Biological Scientist II

Responsibilities include organizing lab space and equipment, managing insect colonies of Drosophila and agricultural pests, preparing microbial cultures, conducting insect behavior and performance assays, and analyzing data. The employee will also actively contribute to writing research reports, training and assisting graduate and undergraduate students in research, and ensuring lab safety compliance. This role demands a positive attitude, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining accurate and secure data for rigorous scientific reporting.

Coordinate, supervise, and conduct research trials examining the impact of the microbiome on insect behavior and physiology. Responsibilities include generating axenic and gnotobiotic insects using BSL-2 facilities, performing insect organ dissections, molecular experiments (including DNA/RNA extraction and PCR), and insect nutritional, behavioral, and performance assays. The incumbent will work independently and collaboratively with the Principal Investigator to establish research objectives, experimental protocols, and oversee experiment execution.

Manage laboratory equipment, supplies, purchases and billing, lab space usage, travel and pcard activities, reagent and chemical storage. Draft and maintain experimental protocols and SOPs.

Collect and analyze research data. Collaborate with the Principal Investigator to determine the type of data, specific collection procedures, and schedule in alignment with research protocols. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining organized records and files for research, using statistical programs for data analysis and visualization, and preparing research summary reports for publications and grant proposals.

Manage undergraduate students and OPS staff, including setting expectations, duties, calendar tracking. Provide assistance to laboratory personnel including training in basic lab techniques and use of more specialized equipment.

Oversee laboratory safety and Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) requirements, ensuring compliance through tasks such as managing the GatorTracs, maintaining chemical inventories, and coordinating with lab safety inspections.

Contact with research facilities (e.g. repairs, coordinate sample submission for omics experiments).

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

Bachelor degree in entomology, microbiology, molecular biology, or closely related fields.

Experience with aseptic techniques and handling microbes.

Experience with molecular techniques.

Experience with entomology research.

Experience managing laboratory personnel and working closely with graduate and undergraduate students.

Ability to independently conduct basic statistical analyses and interpret the results.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume and list of three references. 

This is a time-limited position. 

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.