OPS Research Assistant

Requisition No: 845954

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Research Assistant - 77902265

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902265

Salary: $22.50/Hour

Posting Closing Date: 02/18/2025

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 – Toxins Lab

Research Assistant - OPS 77902265

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 chemistry and/or experience with algal biotoxins, ELISA, HPLC, bioassay, and/or LC- MS techniques.

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:

Perform all phases of sample preparation for the detection of marine algal toxins in seafood, seawater, and other environmental matrices and analyses including sample extraction and clean-up, chemical buffer and reagent preparations for ELISA assays, HPLC and LC-MS/MS analyses.

Assist with sample preparation for regulatory bioassays.

Develop, implement, and maintain QA/QC guidelines as part of SOPs.

Assist with lab purchasing

Responsible for: coordinating data collection, organization, and analyses required for successful completion of approved research

Reporting associated progress and milestones to supervisors, colleagues, and/or stakeholders.

Participate in preparing manuscripts and grant reports.

Facilitate effective and positive communication and teamwork across the team

Assist with event response and routine monitoring for HAB toxins.

Participate in other HAB Program and agency activities as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of robust laboratory practices and skill in standard laboratory and data collection and analysis techniques; harmful algal bloom toxins; experimental design; and basic statistical approaches.

Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment; standard laboratory techniques; the use of MS Office applications such as Excel and Access; planning, organizing, and executing work tasks independently and as part of a team. Experience with ELISA, HPLC, bioassay, and/or LC- MS techniques is preferred.

Ability to communicate effectively and work well as part of a team; work independently; follow standard operating protocols (SOPs) and adhere to standard laboratory safety practices; troubleshoot and maintain quality control standards in the laboratory; use appropriate scientific methods and techniques; perform basic data analysis; contribute to manuscripts and scientific reports.

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.