Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience, or Master’s degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience.

This is a Biological Scientist position located in Gainesville, FL, working in Dr. Balmant’s Lab in the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida. Responsibilities include manage day-to-day lab operations, recording and maintaining detailed research procedures and results, engaging in continuous learning, and adjusting to evolving research needs. The incumbent will modify and implement existing research methods to study biological processes. Conduct laboratory management, including maintaining lab equipment, keeping inventory updated, keeping laboratory records, maintaining clean work areas, and managing chemical and biological waste. Participate in writing and editing SOPs (standard operating procedures) for the laboratory and other duties as assigned. 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, and providing assistance for students with related projects within the breeding program.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Laboratory Experimental Procedures

• Conduct scientific experiments focused on plant transformation and genome editing. Optimize and implement protocols for transforming various crop species.
• Prepare NGS (Next Generation sequencing) libraries and single-cell genomics libraries.
• Design and construct oligos, DNA sequences for cloning into appropriate vectors. Isolate and purify DNA, RNA from plant samples for downstream applications.
• Perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification of target genes and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for gene expression analysis. Conduct western blotting to detect and analyze proteins of interest.
• Perform DNA sequencing and sequence analysis to validate constructs and identify mutations.
• Proactively adapt methodologies and refine experimental designs in response to real-time observations and data trends.

Laboratory Operations

• Support the laboratory team by monitoring work quality and actively refining protocols to improve experimental efficiency and outcomes.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records, documenting research methods, procedures, and results.
• Manage day-to-day lab operations, including ordering supplies and lab equipment, ensuring their timely availability to support ongoing research activities.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date tracking of chemical and biological inventories, ensuring proper storage and handling.
• Implement and modify safety procedures, quality control, and testing procedures to maintain a safe and efficient working environment.
• Perform planting and harvesting activities in growth chambers and greenhouses, ensuring execution aligns with research goals. This includes preparing planting materials, cultivating and caring for plants, and collecting and storing seeds.
• Responsible for annual lab safety survey and inspection.
• Participate in writing and editing SOPs (standard operating procedures) for the laboratory.
• Support students, postdocs, and visitors in laboratory work, developing and optimizing protocols for PIs. 

Training

• Train undergraduate and graduate students, technicians, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists in general laboratory procedures, overseeing their research, and collaborating with experimental activities.

Data Management

• Organize and keep the lab’s database.

Other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience, or Master’s degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience.

Experience in NGS and single-cell genomics library preparation.