Biological Scientist II 

• Assists Faculty train and supervise the breeding and research team to comply with related policies.
• Supervise, lead, and manage the breeding and research team and plant breeding, evaluation, and research activities.
• Manage timesheet approvals.
• Conduct experiments and analyses for plant breeding, evaluation, selection and research. Specific tasks include developing breeding populations; propagating and growing plants, evaluating plants; managing field plots, etc.; photographing and describing new cultivars botanically. 
• Record plants, observations and measurements; compiles and interprets results; prepares and presents reports; prepare plant patent applications.
• Assist scouting plants to detect and identify pathogens, insects, weeds, etc.; develops pest management plans; selects pesticides; makes pesticide application requests; and, if needed, applies pesticides.
• Sets up, maintains, calibrates, operates, and tests equipment and instruments for pH, EC, fertility, moisture level, soluble solids (Brix), sugar content, acidity, pollen viability, seed viability, and other parameters. Prepare leaves and soil sampling schedule, interpret lab reports and adjust fertilization program accordingly.
• Prepare, review, and update protocols for the plant breeding and research program.
• Orders and inventories materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Implements and updates chemical hygiene plans; inventory and reporting of chemicals and chemical wastes; updating biosafety documents; and other activities that are needed

48-55K commensurate with education and plant breeding experience plus generous leave and benefits. 

Bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in biology or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; Doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field.

• Bachelor’s degree in plant breeding, plant science, horticulture, agronomy, or a closely related field and three years of plant breeding and/or evaluation experience; or a Master’s degree in plant breeding, plant science, horticulture, agronomy, or a closely related field and one year of plant breeding and/or evaluation experience; Doctoral degree in horticulture or a closely related field.
• Ability to work in the field and greenhouses in summer and winter. Self-starting, independent and capable of effective work in groups and individually.
• Demonstrate commitment to contributing to a respectful and caring community for all, including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientation, and perspectives.

• At least two years’ working experience with blackberries and/or ornamentals.
• Ability to write and communicate well with diverse groups of people and growers.
• Skills to develop breeding populations, grow horticultural crops under subtropical climatic conditions, evaluate yield and berry quality, and control diseases and weeds.
• Strong project and people management skills. 
• Certified for pesticide application, or able to obtain the certification within the first 3 months of employment.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume and 3 references in one document. 

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

This is a time-limited position.