| Job Description: |
This is a Biological Scientist II position located in Gainesville, FL, at the University of Florida Blueberry Breeding Program (UFBBP) within the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. This position involves overseeing the tissue culture laboratory, working on projects independently and contributing to the planning, execution, data analysis, and writing reports related to the effects of tissue culture attributes on blueberry cultivars harvested in Florida. The position will also involve maintaining germplasm, hiring and training new technicians as required, maintaining materials and supplies, having an apt skillset for problem solving, providing assistance for students with related projects within the breeding program.
The incumbent must have experience in procedures, methods and technologies for quality tissue culture production, the ability to organize and effectively manage projects independently, possess multitasking skills, and be able to manage technicians independently within a team environment. Excellent communication is an essential component of this position. The Biological Scientist II will report to the Principal Investigator and work closely with the Blueberry Breeding Program managers, and with graduate students and staff as necessary.
Specifically, the principal duties and responsibilities assigned to this position are:
- Tissue Culture (TC) Lab Activities & Management:
- Execution/management of initiations of the UFBBP advanced selections into tissue culture
- Expanding/maintenance of the tissue culture germplasm
- Sample collection for virus testing/submission
- Co-liaison with collaborators of the UFBBP and facilitating material transfers with collaborators of the UFBBP.
- The incumbent will conduct experiments independently as well as formulate protocols, coordinate with other laboratories, work on projects required by the program and oversee all aspects of the tissue culture lab plant genome and tracking.
- Proactively adapt methodologies and refine experimental designs in response to real-time observations and data trends.
- Evaluate the performance of protocols and adjusts project timelines based on their interpretation of experimental outcomes and field conditions. Will be required to drive to field locations for studies.
- TC Lab and Facilities Management:
- Maintain accurate laboratory records that document research methods, procedures, and results. Provide oversight on routine maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure they are in good working condition, and process repair orders from outside vendors when necessary.
- Provide guidance for laboratory personnel (graduate students, postdoctoral associates, visiting scientists, undergraduate research assistants, and OPS) in laboratory safety protocols, research procedures and equipment and instrument usage.
- Order supplies, keep inventory of chemicals, and handling hazardous waste disposal.
- Data Management:
- Organize and filter databases.
- Monitor and evaluate protocol performance.
- Training:
- Train laboratory personnel in the operation of specific lab instruments and lab procedures, as necessary.
- Assist the PI in supervising and mentoring laboratory staff, including graduate and undergraduate students, providing guidance and evaluating the accuracy and quality of their work.
- Other duties as assigned.
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