Biological Scientist IV

Job Code 003607

FLSA Status Exempt

Pay Grade 7 Pay Range: $60,500 to $96,600

Summary

Master biological scientist. Researches or studies basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions. May provide consultation on complex projects and is considered the top-level contributor/specialist. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Defines goals for given research projects. Demonstrates expertise in a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures. May serve as a consultant. A very wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Highly knowledgeable with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures. Analyzes existing methodologies, formulates hypotheses, modifies existing procedures, and develops novel procedures for biological and/or other supporting scientific disciplines. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. Typically reports to a Principal Investigator, manager or head of a unit/department.

This classification includes specialist including but not limited to, Biochemist, Biophysicists, Microbiologists, Zoologists, Wildlife Biologists, Bioinformatics Scientists, Molecular and Cellular Biologists, and Geneticists.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description. These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes; develop guidelines for procedures
Develop protocols to improve existing techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures; search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for research goals
Design laboratory experiments; oversee their execution; and review, approve, or interpret results
Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals
Plan and administer biological research programs for government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms
Coordinate/provide scientific services for clients in a clinic, laboratory, or research area
Plan and conduct biological research in accordance with stipulated protocols and quality and safety standards
Design and perform scientific experiments for analysis and standardization
Develop, organize, and conduct experimental studies with live specimens in controlled or natural surroundings
Collect and/or dissect specimens; examine specimens under microscope
Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant, animal, microbial species
Participate in all levels of bio-product/services development including proposing new products/services, performing market analyses, designing and performing experiments, and collaborating with operations and quality control teams during product launches; confer with departments such as marketing, business development, and operations to coordinate product development or improvement
Inventory, estimate, monitor, and make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options; coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases and manage invasive plants and animals
Develop breeding programs or survival plans
Cultivate, breed, and grow specimens for study and observation or for use in experiments
Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms for study in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition
Prepare collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease
Plan curatorial programs for species collections that include acquisition, distribution, maintenance, or regeneration
Develop methods and apparatus for securing representative plant, animal, aquatic, or soil samples; performs field surveys to identify appropriate biological specimens
Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities
Manage laboratory teams and/or monitor the quality of a team’s work; supervise or direct the work of other scientists, technicians, and other workers and evaluate the accuracy of their results; teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research
Direct the work of information technology staff applying tools or applications
Instruct undergraduate, graduate, and medical students in methods or procedures
Design and maintain laboratory safety programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques
Perform administrative duties such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of staff; check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws and notify law enforcement when violations are identified
Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds
Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work
Review reports and proposals for accuracy, adequacy, or adherence to policies, regulations, or scientific standards
Verify all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or development projects are used as planned
Monitor or operate specialized equipment
Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects
Provide routine maintenance on laboratory equipment; verify that equipment and instrumentation are maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results
Evaluate/recommend new supplies, technologies, and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings for enhancing or complementing research
Confer with vendors to evaluate new equipment or reagents or to discuss the customization of product lines to meet user requirements
Maintain accurate laboratory records that record research methods, procedures, and results; prepare and maintain research findings, summaries, logs, and notes
Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data
Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs
Collaborate/confer with software developers in the development and modification of commercial software
Create or modify web-based tools
Test new and updated tools and software
Design sampling plans or coordinate the collection of samples
Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities
Compile data; create or use statistical models for the analysis of data
Develop data models; design and maintain computer databases; manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary databases
Analyze datasets for clinical or research purposes; evaluate data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses
Adjust experimental designs as necessary based on experimental data analysis
Disseminate information and/or communicate research results by writing technical reports, research papers, scholarly articles, abstracts, or recommendations; share findings with scientists, non-scientist executives, engineers, other colleagues, and the public via writings or presentations/talks at scientific conferences, schools, clubs, and other interest groups
Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings
Collaborate/consult with researchers and other professionals to conduct appropriate analyses, analyze problems, determine strategies, or recommend solutions
Keep abreast of technological advances, changes/enhancements in research studies and standards, current research findings, instrumentation, and software by reading scientific literature pertinent to the research area and attending professional conferences; represent university in a technical capacity at conferences
Review databanks for new research findings and correlate with laboratory research findings in participating studies

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field and thirteen years of relevant experience; Master’s degree in biology or a closely related field and eleven years of relevant experience; Doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field and eight years of relevant experience.

Licensure and Certification

N/A

Supervision

This position may include supervisory responsibility.

Competencies

Job FamilyLife, Physical & Social Sciences

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.

Resources

Campus

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