OPS Research Assistant - 77907154

Requisition No: 846085 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Research Assistant - 77907154

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907154 

Salary:  $22.50/Hour 

Posting Closing Date: 02/27/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

Research Assistant – OPS Position

$22.50 per hour

100 8th Ave SE

Saint Petersburg, FL

 Ecosystem Assessment & Restoration

Harmful Algal Blooms – Molecular Lab

Research Assistant - OPS 77907154

Saint Petersburg, Florida - $22.50 per hour

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

Minimum Qualifications:
4 years’ professional experience in a closely related biological field, laboratory program, physical or natural sciences, or mathematics required. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major courses of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics can substitute for the required experience. 

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with a degree in a molecular biology or genetics field, experience working in a molecular biology or genetics laboratory, and/or expertise with phytoplankton and harmful algae. 

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 
 

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.  Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The employee will be responsible for activities in support of ongoing monitoring and research for the Harmful Algal Blooms subsection at FWC/FWRI. Specific duties include:

Support the HAB program by developing, using, and/or learning molecular methods to identify and/or quantify phytoplankton species in samples collected during routine field surveys, event response activities, and/or experimental efforts including laboratory cultures; methods typically used include sequence alignment, primer design, PCR, DNA fingerprinting, quantitative PCR, hybridization, Sanger and/or high throughput sequencing, and digital PCR

Assist with tracking inventory needs and assisting with supply replenishments

Learn, apply, and train junior staff on sterile technique and molecular methods and help ensure that the lab is maintained according to lab manager’s specifications

Contributing to large, complex datasets associated with multiple projects (involving data entry, QA/QC, and working with other staff to ensure continuity)

Contribute to grant and technical reports and scientific manuscripts where molecular methods are used

Working with field samples to isolate single cells for genetic analysis and/or cultivation

Help stage for molecular sample collection as part of laboratory and field programs

Participate in fieldwork as needed

Coordinate schedule with supervisor and lab leaders to ensure programmatic goals are met

Collaborate with other researchers and participate in other Harmful Algal Bloom Program activities as requested, including cell culturing and outreach
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of molecular biology principles; sterile lab techniques; polymerase chain reaction and associated assays and optimization approaches; methods of data collection and analysis; Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software programs (e.g., genetic sequence or fingerprinting analysis, database entry, and data analysis and visualization).

Skill to conduct accurate harmful algal bloom detection and/or quantification using varied approaches; extract and process genomic DNA from different sources; learn new approaches and follow existing standard operating protocols; align sequences; design and optimize PCR primers; plan and coordinate work assignments across projects; independently collect, record, analyze and synthesize data; communicate effectively and check in when help is needed; maintain records; contribute to technical reports; improve efficiency or efficacy of daily activities with supervisor’s guidance. 

Ability to work independently and with supervisor, staff, and lab manager to coordinate efficient workflow, assist with lab purchasing, and provide regular updates; work as part of a team of researchers and within shared laboratory space to complete tasks timely and efficiently; learn and apply laboratory and field techniques; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; utilize problem-solving techniques; provide regular updates to supervisors; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures and ensure that supervisees do the same.

Why should I apply?

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
*Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. 

Biweekly Health Premiums $25.00 - Single / $90.00 - Family

Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance

OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan

On the Job Trainings

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.