OPS Sr. Biological Scientist

A Sr. Biological Scientist performs laboratory and/or field studies in disciplines such as oceanography, medicine, molecular biology, physiology, ecology, botany, and natural resources. Work includes contribution to the design and execution of research protocols, data analysis, and preparation of publications.

Nature of Work: This position typically reports to the principal investigator or Scientific Researcher on a research project and performs a variety of controlled studies. A Sr. Biological Scientist plans and conducts experimental protocols within the framework of the research objectives. These protocols involve both theoretical and practical knowledge of the specific processes and specialized equipment involved in research within a particular discipline. A Sr. Biological Scientist collects and analyzes data on research projects, and typically drafts portions of research reports and publications. This position may perform a minor amount of administrative duties such as monitoring budgets, and drafting administrative forms and reports. 

•    Plans and conducts research protocols within the Harwood lab. 
•    Performs statistical analysis and visualization of data 
•    Maintains logs and records of observations, findings, and results for use in presentations and publications.
•    Prepares grant proposals and reports.
•    Oversees the maintenance and programming of laboratory equipment, arranges for repair as necessary, orders and inventories laboratory supplies.
•    Interfaces computers with data collection equipment.
•    Maintains project data bases.
•    Performs other duties as assigned.

•    This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a natural or medical science and 2 years of research experience; or a Master’s degree in a natural science. Progressively responsible experience involving scientific laboratory or field work may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• 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

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