Nature of Work: This position typically reports to the principal investigator or a Scientific Researcher on a research project. A Biological Scientist conducts experimental protocols and modifies those protocols in order to meet research objectives. These protocols involve both practical and basic theoretical knowledge of the specific processes and specialized equipment involved in research within a particular discipline. A Biological Scientist prepares descriptions of laboratory or field techniques and collects, analyzes and describes data on research projects. Work at this level is distinguished from Research Lab Technicians by modifying and adapting standard procedures to meet the needs of the project and by preparing summaries of the research techniques and results. The work is distinguished from a Sr. Biological Scientist or higher level researcher in that it is does not regularly and customarily develop or determine the type of analysis to be performed nor prepare interpretive data for publication. The position may perform a minor amount of administrative duties such as monitoring budgets, and drafting administrative forms and reports.
Grant Funded. This position is NOT eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
•Conducts and modifies laboratory research protocols in biological science disciplines such as microbiology, physiology, pathology, ecology, natural resources or botany.
•Adapts protocols and procedures to perform laboratory analyses. Uses instruments appropriate to the research that may require extensive training and both theoretical and practical knowledge to interpret results.
•Performs surgery on animals for experimental purposes including pre-operative, intra- operative, and post-operative procedures.
•Performs and modifies laboratory tests on biological materials using methods such as mammalian tissue culture, radioisotope labeling, electrophoresis of protein and nucleotide samples, bacterial transformation and growth, sequencing and modification of nucleic acids.
•Maintains logs and records of laboratory techniques, observations, findings, and results.
•Maintains project data bases. Performs analysis of data using statistical software.
•Instructs undergraduate students in laboratory methods.
•Performs literature searches for appropriate laboratory techniques.
• Maintains laboratory equipment, arranges for repair as necessary, orders and inventories laboratory supplies. May schedule the use of laboratory equipment by others.
•Performs other duties as assigned.
• This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical or medical science. Progressively responsible experience involving scientific laboratory or field work may be substituted for the required college education on a year for year basis.
• 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.
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.
