Biological Scientist Ii

**JOB NO**:
537065

**WORK TYPE**:
Staff Full-Time

**LOCATION**:
Polk

**CATEGORIES**:
Biology/Life Science, Physical/Mathematical Sciences

**DEPARTMENT**:
60732000 - AG-CREC-PLANT PATHOLOGY

**CLASSIFICATION TITLE**:
Biological Scientist II

**CLASSIFICATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS**:
Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related life science field.

**JOB DESCRIPTION**:
Supervises microscopy lab for the CREC, including but not limited to TEM, confocal fluorescent microscope and related equipment maintenance. Responsible for the operation and purchase of supplies plus preparation of necessary lab chemical mixture. Maintains service contracts, lab budget and assess chargebacks for laboratory services. Incumbent is responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all research data obtained using any CREC microscopy center equipment. Responsible for maintaining lab safety and ensuring compliance with lab safety requirements.

Coordinates and advises faculty members with regards to CREC microscopy projects. Prepares training materials for microscopy lab equipment. Trains faculty members, postdocs technicians, and students in the operation of the microscopy equipment needed for their projects among others TEM, confocal microscope, fluorescent microscope and in equipment selection and preparation of specimen materials for TEM. Collects digital TEM, SEM, LM, and Confocal images into a form that clearly presents data collected. Assists others in the use of digital camera for light and fluorescent microscopy.

Research and develops specimen preparation techniques when necessary. Selects and prepares specimen material for TEM and Confocal including microtoming, light microscopy, critical point drying, sputter coating, grid coating, vacuum evaporation and other related techniques necessary to each project according to facilities regulation and protocols.

Observes prepared material on TEM, Confocal or light microscope and selects and photographs suitable representative areas related to the project objectives.

Assists in interpretation of photomicrographs and organization of material for publication, including writing up Materials and Methods, Results and Conclusions for microscopy work performed in cooperation with faculty members. Helps to prepare reports and manuscripts for presentation of findings on microscopy projects concerning citrus anatomy, citrus pathogens, citrus pests.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

**EXPECTED SALARY**:
$50,000 - $55,000 commensurate with education and experience.

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**:
Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related life science field.

**PREFERRED**:
Certification by the Electron Microscopy Society of America Knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) to maintain and operate SEM, TEM, Confocal, fluorescent microscope and related equipment. KSA to prepare SEM specimens for observation. KSA to prepare TEM specimens for observation. KSA to observe SEM samples and photograph KSA to observe TEM samples and photograph KSA to observe Confocal samples and photograph KSA to interpret microscopy images KSA to prepare digital plates for publication KSA to use and train in use of digital camera KSA to contribute to publication writing KSA to take lead in authoring selected projects for publication KSA of plant anatomy KSA of cell anatomy KSA to develop new or modify preparation techniques KSA to develop data collection and presentation techniques KSA to statistically analyze and interpret data KSA to organize and train TEM and SEM methods.

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

**SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS**:
In order to be considered, you must upload your resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

**HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIRED**:

- No

**ADVERTISED**:
09 Sep 2025

Eastern Daylight Time
**APPLICATIONS CLOSE**:

- 16 Sep 2025

Eastern Daylight Time