Biological Scientist II, UF/IFAS Small Fruit Horticulture Lab

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Department: AG-HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES

Classification: Biological Scientist II

About the Role

This position will manage the laboratory and its associated facilities, conduct field and greenhouse research in small fruit production, and support experiential and distance learning efforts.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Manage 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in biology or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• One year of basic laboratory experience (wet-lab chemistry) recommended.
• 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 (preferred).

Health assessment required.