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Inside Higher Ed · 3 days ago

Biological Scientist II

Gainesville, FL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$47K/yr - $47K/yr

3+ years exp

Inside Higher Ed is seeking a Biological Scientist II to oversee data collection and analysis of fish species along Florida's west coast. The role involves supervising quality control in measurements, participating in dive surveys, and contributing to research reports and publications.

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Responsibilities

The incumbent's primary responsibility will be the oversight of the data collection and analysis of age and growth for a variety of fish species along Florida's west coast

This will include, but not be limited to: a) supervise and maintain quality control/assurance in otolith measurements among graduate students, technicians and undergraduate student assistants; b) measurement of otolith increments; c) responsible for documentation and exchange of otolith samples with state and federal partners, which requires the operation of a state vehicle; and d) timely input of data and maintenance of database

The incumbent's secondary responsibility will be participating in biannual (winter and summer) dive surveys for fish composition and distribution on reefs along the west coast of Florida

This will include, but not be limited to, being part of a dive team that conducts underwater visual surveys of reef fish in cooperation with Dr. Robbie Lamb's lab at UF

Knowledge of and ability to identify common reef fish of Florida is essential, with training provided in the identification of other less numerous species to be surveyed

Incumbent must have previous diving experience that would allow them to be AAUS certified as a scientific diver through UF within 1-2 months of employment and have a minimum of 20 coastal/ocean dives

A dive physical will be mandatory prior to official offer of employment

Previous experience diving offshore under normal offshore conditions of wave height and current is required

The transportation of dive and field equipment will necessitate the ability to lift 50 lbs regularly and the operation of a state vehicle

This research will require that the incumbent spend ~9-10 weeks per year in the field, with ~7-8 of those weeks with overnight stays in south and north Florida (i.e., away from Gainesville)

Statistically analyze the age, growth, and sexual maturity of each focal fish species using R (in collaboration with Dr. Murie), and contribute to biannual reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations

Assist with the maintenance of the lab and field equipment associated with the research, including filing state vehicle logs, purchasing supplies and equipment, organizing maintenance of equipment (e.g., microscopes, digital imaging systems, truck, vessel, dive gear) when required, and maintaining lab safety protocols

Qualification

Biology degreeOtolith analysisSCUBA diving experienceStatistical analysis in RFisheries experienceMicroscope digital imagingDatabase maintenanceCommunication skillsAttention to detailOrganizational skills

Required

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

Knowledge of and ability to identify common reef fish of Florida is essential

Previous diving experience that would allow them to be AAUS certified as a scientific diver through UF within 1-2 months of employment

A minimum of 20 coastal/ocean dives

Previous experience diving offshore under normal offshore conditions of wave height and current

Ability to lift 50 lbs regularly

Operation of a state vehicle

Statistically analyze the age, growth, and sexual maturity of each focal fish species using R

Contribute to biannual reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations

Assist with the maintenance of the lab and field equipment associated with the research

Maintain lab safety protocols

Preferred

Master's degree in biology or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience

Experience in recreational or commercial fisheries, or working in a fisheries-related field

Experience working with otoliths and/or microscope digital image software

Experience in SCUBA surveys for fish, invertebrates, habitat, etc

Experience with trailering and operating small vessels

Experience maintaining large databases; attention to detail and well organized

Experience with basic statistics and working in R

Excellent written and oral communication skills as evidenced by publications (peer-reviewed articles, agency reports, etc.) and presentations at scientific meetings