Biological Scientist II UFIFAS Plant Biotechnology Program

Biological Scientist II

This Biological Scientist II position is located in Gainesville FL within the Plant Biotechnology Program at The University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences Crop Transformation Center (UF/IFAS CTC). This position will support ongoing research in plant transformation and gene editing method development for various crop species.

The incumbent should demonstrate an intermediate level of understanding of plant developmental biology and the molecular biology of Agrobacterium. This knowledge will be applied to help develop innovative solutions that address current challenges in plant transformation and gene editing particularly in recalcitrant woody species. A key focus will be the implementation and modification of transgene-free approaches to enhance gene editing efficiency.

Additionally the incumbent will leverage insights from plant development to improve agronomic traits such as yield product quality and environmental resilience through targeted genetic modifications. The role also involves managing laboratory operations mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and contributing to grant proposal preparation.

Specifically the principal duties and responsibilities assigned to the position are:

• Research execution & analysis
  • Perform experiments;
  • Collect curate and analyze data;
  • Maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks;
  • Generate publication-quality figures/tables;
  • Contribute to manuscripts and technical reports.
  • Modify existing methods based on findings.
• Vector design & construct generation
  • Explore targets;
  • Implement assemble and validate expression constructs for citrus transformation and gene editing (e.g. promoter/ORF selection cloning sequence verification);
  • Support delivery and regeneration workflows.
• Grant preparation
  • Actively assist the PI in developing competitive proposals: compile preliminary data draft methods/figures prepare supporting documents.
• Student mentoring
  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers in experimental design protocol execution troubleshooting record-keeping and data analysis;
  • Model best practices in lab/greenhouse/field work.
• Safety & inventory stewardship
  • Maintain up-to-date chemical/reagent inventories and safety data sheets;
  • Assist with lab/greenhouse/field safety training and adherence to SOPs and institutional policies.
• Operations & compliance
  • Maintain equipment;
  • Manage receiving and stock;
  • Complete required institutional paperwork training and records; perform other related duties as assigned.

Commensurate with education skills and experience.

In order to be considered you must upload your cover letter and resume.

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

This is a time-limited position.