Biological Scientist I - Gainesville, Fl

Salary:  $38,000.04 - $41,799.94 
 

BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I
 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
 

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY
 

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***
 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
 

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences. 
 

Certain positions within this class require individuals to meet specific federal or state regulations as identified by the employing agency.
 

Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.
 

***ATTENTION CANDIDATES***
 

To be considered for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
 

• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
   

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values
and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified
individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
 

Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, is required.
 

JOB DUTIES:
 

GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a professional position which assists a Research Scientist I - SES in the isolation and identification of honey bee pests and diseases that could pose a threat or be detrimental to the Florida Apicultural Industry.
 

Performs classical and advanced molecular Pest and Disease Diagnostics. This includes, but is not limited to, varroa count washes, microscopic identification of microbial organisms, application of lateral flow assays, extraction of genomic DNA, RNA, quantification of nucleic acids, performing conventional PCR (optimizes PCR assays and purifies PCR products), qPCR, gel electrophoresis. Performs deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic (RNA) extraction from honey bee samples including whole bees, brood (larvae and pupa), honey, pollen, and hive detritus.
 

Assists in the interpretation and analysis of molecular and conventionally derived diagnostic data.  Assists supervisor with investigation of novel or invasive diseases and/or pests of unknown or high economical consequence. This could entail study of available literature, methods development, experiment design, and data analysis as determined by the supervisor.
 

Records and maintains information pertaining to specimens, diagnostics and recommendations in the DPI Laboratory Identification Sample Tracking (LIST) system.  Maintains laboratory notebooks, electronic records, and prepares relevant reports.
 

Operates and maintains diagnostic tools and equipment, including scales, hood, microscopes, gel electrophoresis machines, qPCR and other equipment required to accomplish job duties.  Responsible for general cleaning of equipment and glassware.
 

Maintains laboratory consumables. and other associated supplies as needed.  Keeps track of lab supplies and assists in procurement using the appropriate procedures.
 

Performs other related duties as required by supervisor. 
 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
 

• Working knowledge of classical and molecular techniques for diagnosis of biotic honey bee pests and diseases. Classical techniques include recognizing signs and symptoms of infection in both field and laboratory settings, pathogen isolation and culture, and host inoculation. Molecular techniques including, but not limited to, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, quantitative PCR, reverse-transcription PCR, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
• Skill in designing and executing research experiments and data analysis.
• Skill in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Ability to communicate effectively with, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to use computers, including database, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to compile, organize and analyze data and to make recommendations.
• Ability to understand and follow technical instructions.
   

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida
 

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck.  The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
 

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please visit www.myfrs.com;)
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!