Assistant Biological Science Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Biological Scientist I
Job no: 540700
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Veteran's Preference Eligible, Dentistry
Department:34030000 - DN-ORAL BIOLOGY
Classification Title:
Biological Scientist I
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related life science field.
Job Description:
Perform microbiology and molecular biology assays such as such as bacterial cultures, stocking, DNA and RNA extractions and nucleic acid gels and blots; PCR, QPCR, and RT-PCR; biochemical assays; protein expression, extraction, and purification; and immunological analyses such as ELISAs, Western blots, and protein dot blots.
Assist in the training and overseeing of OPS lab assistants and undergraduate, graduate, and dental research students. Training consists of educating trainees in EH&S lab safety rules and regulations, ensuring all personnel have completed and are up to date on all mandatory training such as blood borne pathogens, handling biomedical and hazardous/chemical waste, IACUC, HIPAA, and others as may be required by the research project and/or routine duties and procedures performed by each individual. Additionally, the laboratory technician is responsible for assisting with training each lab member on protocols, equipment, instrumentation, and standard operating procedures necessary to complete his or her research assignment and/or routine lab duties.
Assist with managing the daily operations of the lab. Ensure that laboratory duties such as performing routine maintenance of laboratory equipment (including but not limited to the anaerobic chamber, centrifuges, and water baths); preparation of buffers, stock solutions and bacterial and cell culture media; ordering supplies and stocking shelves, cleaning and organizing, and ensuring that various as-needed tasks are performed either by the employee or satisfactorily performed by others. The biological scientist will also be responsible for cultivating/maintaining stocks of bacterial strains and keeping an accurate inventory of frozen bacterial and human cell culture stocks. He or she will also maintain a inventory system for keeping track of research samples, kits, and reagents in the freezers and refrigerators; and will keep an inventory of all chemicals and reagents in the lab. The biological scientist will be trained on the shipping of biological samples and will carry the main responsibility for shipping bacterial DNA, bacterial strains, tissue samples, etc.
Organize experimental protocols and data and maintain complete and accurate records of all experiments and procedures performed. Record all data in regulation laboratory notebook(s) on a daily basis or during and immediately after collection.
Maintain a thorough working knowledge of the literature directly pertaining to the goals of the lab. This will involve independent reading of literature and recognizing techniques and analyses that may be useful to current projects.
This position requires the occasional lifting of boxes that may weigh up to 60 lbs. It also requires the ability to use micropipettes and good manual dexterity, which may be difficult for an individual with any type of arm or hand disability.
Expected Salary:
$24.00 per hour
Benefits:
The University of Florida offers low-cost State Health plans, a number of Dental plans to fit you and your family's needs, and Vision. Domestic partner coverage through GatorCare is also available. Optional plans such as life, disability, legal and accident insurance are also available.
Build your retirement roadmap with competitive pension plans, investment accounts and a host of voluntary add-ons, such as 457 deferred compensation and 403(b) plans.
UF provides a variety of leave programs including vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, personal leave days, and family medical leave. TEAMS employees accrue approximately 22 vacation days annually, 13 sick days annually, and 4 personal leave days, typically used during the holiday closing period (accruals based on full-time employment). UF also provides you the flexibility to deal with life's challenges by offering paid family leave, eight full weeks of leave over a 24-month period.
UF Employees are also eligible for the GatorPerks discount program, which provides big savings at various businesses and retailers!
Explore UF's plethora of benefit options here: TEAMS Benefits
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related life science field.
Preferred:
Experience in microbiology, genetics, and molecular biology. Ability to organize work assignments, manage the daily activities of an active laboratory, assist with the direction of co-workers (primarily volunteers and undergraduate students), maintain adequate supplies, and recognize problems encountered in assays. Good working knowledge of Microsoft office, statistical tools such as Prism, citation tools such as EndNote, and graphing tools such as BioRender.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. 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 the Qualified Positions link on our applicant FAQs page for a list of eligible positions.
This is a time-limited position. This position is open to current UF employees only.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required:Yes
Advertised: 24 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 31 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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