Biological Scientist II, UFIFAS Small Fruit Horticulture Lab

Bachelors degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience or Masters degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience.

This position will be responsible for managing the laboratory and its associated facilities conducting field and greenhouse research in small fruit production and supporting experiential and distance learning efforts.

Essential functions include:

• Research:
  • Collect data and plant samples from field greenhouse and laboratory experiments including work indoors and outdoors in seasonal temperatures and conditions.
  • Setup and deploy remote weather stations and other agricultural sensors.
  • Assist in executing hydroponic greenhouse and field based horticultural production experiments.
  • Lead a group of OPS students in harvesting small fruits (blueberry blackberry etc.) from field experiments.
  • Perform fruit quality assessment tests on fruit samples.
• Lab and Facilities Management:
  • Manage the daily laboratory operations including purchasing inventory management fleet management health and safety compliance and hazardous waste disposal.
  • Perform routine maintenance tasks in laboratory greenhouse and growth chamber facilities.
  • Maintain plant material by performing regularly scheduled pruning scouting weeding fertilization and pesticide/insecticide application tasks.
  • Supervise assist train and oversee graduate and undergraduate students and post-doctoral associates in research-related tasks.
• Instruction:
  • Prepare set up and facilitate experiential learning activities for undergraduate and graduate courses in the Horticultural Sciences Teaching Garden.
  • Assist with creation of instructional materials and student kits for distance learning courses.

Bachelors degree in biology or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience; or a Masters degree in biology or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience.

One year of basic laboratory experience (wet-lab chemistry) recommended and preferred. Some training can be provided.
Ability to collect record and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences
Ability to conduct biological research studies or analyses using scientific methods and techniques
Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data
Ability to plan organize and coordinate work assignments
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field.