Biologist Researcher Jobs in Tallahassee, FL (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 875995 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64085847

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64085847 

Salary:  $50,584.67 

Posting Closing Date: 05/22/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive Opportunity

Division of Disease Control and Health Protection

Bureau Of Communicable Diseases

Sexually Transmitted Disease Section

This position requires daily in-office or field work

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a highly professional position that is the primary person responsible for surveillance and evaluation activities for the STD Surveillance Network (SSuN) grant. The employee will monitor process outcomes and prepare reports and grant narratives, documenting progress meeting quality assurance and performance expectations. The employee will be responsible for the analysis, reporting and dissemination of data to identify, quantify, and track emerging health events. The person hired will work independently to research topics, analyze data, write reports, and present analytic findings to other members of the SSuN Team and other stakeholders. It is expected that the person hired for this position will have a minimum of a Master of Public Health degree and/or three years of experience conducting surveillance activities.

Surveillance and Data Analysis: Monitor the daily flagging, matriculation, and closure of enhanced SSuN STD case investigations. Manage the creation of datasets for case and facility-based surveillance components, as well as data cleaning, validation, and completeness procedures. Conduct in-depth epidemiological analysis and evaluate the quality of case report data. Report and disseminate data to identify, quantify, and track emerging health events. Utilize statistical software packages to augment, extract and submit complex files related to complex study designs.

Provide written and oral STD program consultation through the analysis, review, and evaluation of SSuN activities, performance indicators, and relevant areas of STD program management to ensure that all grant guidelines, expectations, and outcomes are met. Represents the Department of Health on monthly conference calls as the subject matter expert. Identify areas for quality improvement within SSuN grant requirements.

Prepare and deliver timely progress reports, annual reports, and presentations for SSuN grant outcomes.

Work independently to research topics, write reports, and present analytic findings related to STDs.

Coordinates and provides leadership with the development and implementation of procedures, methods, and strategies for morbidity reporting and database management. Develop quality improvement processes to ensure data reliability and validity. Provides data support and assistance for STD-related issues and activities. Responds to inquiries from CDC, the Department of Health, and other entities concerning the status of current surveillance activities in Florida. Prepares and provides data for short-term and long-term planning.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques used in biological research, analysis, or testing.

Knowledge of the procedures, techniques, and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.

Knowledge of the methods of data collection.

Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to 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 communicate effectively.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the biological sciences.

Qualifications:

Minimum - Three years of experience conducting surveillance activities.

Preferred - Prior STD Surveillance experience.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Tallahassee, FL

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 click www.myfrs.com);

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. 

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. 

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. 

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.