Highest Paying Biological Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position typically reports to the principal investigator or Scientific Researcher on a research project and performs a variety of controlled studies. A Sr. Biological Scientist plans and conducts experimental protocols within the framework of the research objectives. These protocols involve both theoretical and practical knowledge of the specific processes and specialized equipment involved in research within a particular discipline. A Sr. Biological Scientist collects and analyzes data on research projects, and typically drafts portions of research reports and publications. Work at this level is distinguished from non-exempt work such as Biological Scientist by modifying and adapting standard procedures to meet the needs of the project, analyzing data in preparation for publication, and co-authoring manuscripts for publication. This work meets the FLSA criteria for a professional exemption since it requires advanced knowledge in a field of science which is predominantly intellectual in character and requires the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment. The work is distinguished from a Scientific Researcher or higher level researcher since it is does not collaborate with faculty on setting the overall research direction nor perform the final interpretation within an academic discipline of project results. This position may perform a minor amount of administrative duties such as monitoring budgets, and drafting administrative forms and reports. However, work is distinguished from primarily administrative jobs by performing work as an investigator, a scientist, or a research data analyst, rather than preparing and administering budgets, reporting effort, paying expenses, or administering human resources functions.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.  

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a natural or medical science and 2 years of research experience; or a Master's degree in a natural science. Progressively responsible experience involving scientific laboratory or field work may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree.
Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

• Plans and conducts research protocols in areas such as oceanography, medicine, molecular biology, physiology, ecology, botany, and natural resources.
• Perform experiments using mammalian tissue culture, radioisotope labeling, electrophoresis of protein and nucleotide samples, bacterial transformation and growth, sequencing and modification of nucleic acids.
• Performs statistical analysis of data using specially designed computer software.
• Maintains logs and records of observations, findings, and results for use in presentations and publications.
• Curates and identifies specimens for a herbarium. Collects specimens in the field.
• Instructs undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory or field methods.
• Performs literature searches.
• Oversees the maintenance and programming of laboratory equipment, arranges for repair as necessary, orders and inventories laboratory supplies.
• Interfaces computers with data collection equipment.
• Maintains project data bases.