Biological Scientist

Overview

Job No: 538457

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Dade

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Veteran's Preference Eligible

Department:  - AG-TREC-HOMESTEAD

Classification

Title:

Biological Scientist I

Classification

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor s degree in biology or a closely related life science field.

• Conduct plant pathology experiments
• Support the design and implementation of plant pathology experiments in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory.
• Prepare inoculum and help with pathogen inoculations following established protocols.
• Conduct disease assessments, including symptom scoring, incidence/severity ratings, and photographic documentation.
• Collect, review, and store plant and pathogen samples for downstream analyses.
• Perform basic laboratory analysis including media preparation, tissue isolation, culturing, and microscopy.
• Maintain sterile technique and follow biosafety and quarantine protocols.
• Experimental plots and nursery plants research:
  Establish, label, and maintain experimental field plots and nursery plants according to research protocols.
• Perform routine plant care, including irrigation, fertilization, pruning, staking, and pest management.
• Monitor plant health and growth; identify symptoms of biotic and abiotic stress and report abnormalities to research staff. Assist with planting, transplanting, and removal of experimental material.
• Implement sanitation and biosecurity practices to prevent cross-contamination among experiments.
• Maintain accurate records of plot layouts, treatments, plant status, and maintenance activities.
• Apply treatments following safety guidelines and experimental designs.
• Collect plant material and conduct sampling for laboratory analyses.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules to ensure consistency across experiments and seasons.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and nursery infrastructure (benches, irrigation systems, shade structures).
• Ensure compliance related to permits, quarantine regulations, and institutional safety standards.
• Driving to plots and nurseries will be required.
• Field and Lab Maintenance:
  Plant material for plant pathology experiments and support maintenance tropical fruit groves used in experiments.
• Clean, maintain, and organize laboratory spaces, equipment, and supplies.
• Clean and maintain shade and greenhouses under the Tropical Fruit Crops Pathology Laboratory.
• Other duties as assigned.

Expected Salary: $21.00 an hour

Required Qualifications: Bachelor s degree in biology or a closely related life science field.

Preferred: Experience working with tropical fruit crops. Experience in plant husbandry and IPM management. Fluency in Spanish to communicate with local growers that do not speak English. Individuals with a degree in Plant Pathology, Entomology, or Horticulture or at least five years of experience in Integrated Pest Management, will be considered.

This position is a full-time, time limited position in Homestead, Florida and is only open to current UF employees ONLY. 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 position is eligible for veteran s preference. If you are claiming veteran s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran s Preference Page for more specific information.

To apply for this position, visit jobs.ufl.edu. Job number for this vacancy is and the deadline date to apply is . If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2

HRS or the Florida Relay System at  (TDD).

The University of Florida is an equal Opportunity Employer.

Health Assessment

Required:

Yes

Applications Close: 28 January 2026

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./538457

Our Commitment:
The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at  (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

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