Research Scientist

Requisition No: 827413 Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services Working Title: RESEARCH SCIENTIST - Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: Salary: $55,000.14 - $60,500.18 Posting Closing Date: 05/01/2024 Total Compensation Estimator Tool RESEARCH SCIENTIST I FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY CONTACT: Taylor Smith, Ph MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A doctorate from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in agriculture, or one of the biological, physical, or natural sciences. Requires possession of a valid Class E Driver License. ATTENTION CANDIDATES To be considered for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile). Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position. Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Occasional overnight travel may be required. JOB DUTIES: GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a professional scientific position primarily responsible for leveraging bioinformatics tools and expertise in plant genetics to support research and development efforts in the Bureau of Citrus Budwood Registration, a program that assists growers and nurserymen in the production of horticulturally superior citrus nursery stock. This role involves analyzing genomic data, identifying genetic markers, and conducting comparative genomics studies. Utilize bioinformatics tools and computational methods to analyze genomic data relevant to citrus species. Conduct comparative genomics studies to elucidate the genetic basis of important traits. Collaborate with citrus breeders, geneticists, and other scientists to integrate bioinformatics analyses into breeding strategies. Develop and maintain databases and bioinformatics pipelines for storing, processing, and analyzing citrus genomic data. Report data and findings to management. Stay abreast of advances in bioinformatics, genomics, and citrus genetics research to inform and enhance project activities. Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, and professional development activities to network and stay current in the field. Communicate research findings through presentations, reports, and scientific publications. Provide technical expertise and training in bioinformatics analysis to colleagues and collaborators as needed. Contribute to grant writing and research proposal development to secure funding for citrus bioinformatics and genetics research initiatives. Performs other related duties as required by supervisor. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and programming languages commonly used in genomic data analysis (e.g., Python, R, Unix/Linux command line). Experience with genome assembly, annotation, variant calling, and GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Studies) analyses. Familiarity with citrus biology, genetics, and breeding principles. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to work independently. The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including: Annual and Sick Leave benefits; Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year; State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options; Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please visit ;) Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more. For a complete list of benefits, visit . For an estimate of the total compensation package for this position, please visit the "Total Compensation Estimator Tool" located above under the "Posting Closing Date." SPECIAL NOTES: 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-). 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. VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy ) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.