Biological Scientist II, UF/IFAS Small Fruit Horticulture Lab

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 1 day ago

    Highlights

    This position will be responsible for managing The Small Fruit Horticulture Laboratory and its associated facilities, conducting field and greenhouse research in small fruit production, and supporting experiential and distance learning efforts. Lab and Facilities Management: Manage the daily laboratory operations including purchasing, inventory management, fleet management, health and safety compliance, and hazardous waste disposal.

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationGainesville, FL

    Description

    This is a Biological Scientist II position located in the Horticultural Sciences Department, in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This position will be responsible for managing The Small Fruit Horticulture Laboratory and its associated facilities, conducting field and greenhouse research in small fruit production, and supporting experiential and distance learning efforts.The Small Fruit Horticulture Lab at the University of Florida is a creative space where students develop research and science communication skills while pursuing rigorous scientific research. Our research explores how abiotic stimuli, and cultural practices impact horticultural crop quality, productivity, and resilience. We pursue research questions at the interface of horticulture and plant physiology focusing on berry crops grown in modern horticultural production systems. (https://nunez-lab.com/)
    Classification Title:

    Biological Scientist II

    Classification Minimum Requirements:

    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.

    Job Description:

    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.
    Expected Salary:

    Commensurate with education, skills and experience.

    Required Qualifications:

    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.

    Preferred:

    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.

    Special Instructions to Applicants:

    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.

    Health Assessment Required:Yes

     

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