Agricultural​/Food Scientist II

Job no: 540919
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Jackson
Categories: Agricultural Sciences, Physical/Mathematical Sciences
Department:  - AG-NFREC-QUINCY

Classification

Title:

Agricultural/Food Scientist II

Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field; or a master’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience.

Job Description:

• Expected to analyze samples using, but not limited to, enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), gas chromatography (GC), starch and fiber (NDF/ADF), and other analyses related to feed, forage, ruminal fermentation parameters, and blood metabolites and hormones. Provide results to faculty and make recommendations for modifying the analysis process. Oversees processes for maintaining current and accurate records and data. Provides technical assistance for planning, conducting, and publishing research projects.
  Responsible for maintaining safe lab practices and maintaining all laboratory equipment. Function as lab safety officer and ensure that staff are well trained to adhere to safety requirements. Teaches incoming team members how to properly use equipment.
• Collaborate with Animal Science faculty on collection of data related to their research and extension programs on improving beef cattle nutrition, production efficiency, management techniques, and health. Oversee all laboratory and field data collection and analyses of all beef production related research, and to provide oversight of the animal laboratory. Training and assisting, post-doctoral research associates, graduate and undergraduate students with data collection and analyses, supervising hourly labor and collaborating with other scientists and faculty will be expected.
• Receive, schedule, and process outside laboratory work timely and efficiently to make maximal use of recourses. Maintain detailed records and generate statements, laboratory reports and invoices for analytical services. Manage laboratory supplies inventory. Dispose of hazardous material appropriately and maintain MSDS to meet University of Florida EH&S inspection requirements and serve as NFREC-Marianna safety officer.
• Support daily function of sophisticated beef cattle feeding facility including management of Vytelle Sense (formerly Grow Safe) and C-Lock Inc. Software system and related equipment. Functions may range from data management to feed procurement to animal handling and will vary depending on the particular experiment. Periodic care of cannulated animals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field; or a master’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience.

Preferred:

Four-year college degree (B.S.) or MS Animal Sciences or a related field with experience or appropriate training in laboratory procedures (GLP) or 6-8 years equivalent training. Cattle handling ability a plus but not required. Willingness to learn and discover, and creativity will be highly regarded.

Health Assessment

Required:

Yes

Advertised: 23 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 07 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.