Biological Scientist Jobs
Biological Scientist jobs are open across government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, research universities, and biotech firms, from entry-level research associate to senior scientist and principal investigator, with specializations in molecular biology, ecology, and microbiology. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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The position applies advanced scientific knowledge and independent judgment to laboratory coordination, protocol adaptation, experimental troubleshooting, quality assurance, and technical supervision. Management responsibilities directly support scientific research. The PI retains responsibility for overall research direction and final interpretation of findings. Scientific laboratory management includes coordinating research workflows, training personnel, maintaining specimen traceability, implementing standard operating procedures, and supporting safe and reproducible BSL-2 research. Formal budget administration, effort reporting, and human resources administration remain with the appropriate university personnel.
35% - Scientific laboratory operations: Plan and coordinate daily research workflows in consultation with the PI and research team. Organize sample processing, experimental schedules, and shared resources across projects. Develop, evaluate, and refine SOPs; troubleshoot workflow problems; and implement practices that improve research efficiency, consistency, and reproducibility.
20% - Research quality and biosafety: Oversee implementation of experimental quality controls, contamination prevention procedures, and approved BSL-2 practices. Maintain scientific and safety documentation, coordinate required training and inspection preparation, and follow up on corrective actions under PI and institutional oversight.
20% - Equipment and research resources: Oversee instrument performance, preventive maintenance, calibration, and service coordination. Evaluate research supply needs, coordinate purchasing, and maintain reagent and specimen inventories. Manage biobank organization, sample traceability, freezer records, and storage monitoring to preserve specimen integrity.
15% - Training and technical supervision: Train and provide day-to-day technical guidance to students, volunteers, and research personnel. Assess proficiency in laboratory methods, reinforce SOPs and documentation standards, coordinate shared responsibilities, and monitor the quality of technical work.
10% - Experimental support and methods development: Perform, optimize, and troubleshoot DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, and sequencing preparation workflows as needed. Evaluate assay performance, document findings, and contribute technical methods and results to research reports and manuscripts.
Minimum Education & Experience
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.
• 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.
- Experience in molecular biology, microbiology, parasitology, or a related biomedical research laboratory, including independent troubleshooting and optimization of experimental methods.
- Demonstrated experience with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, quality control, and sequencing library preparation; experience with Oxford Nanopore/Illumina workflows is desirable.
- Experience coordinating laboratory workflows, training students or staff, maintaining equipment and specimen inventories, and supporting biosafety inspections and research documentation.
- Experience processing human, animal, or vector-derived research specimens and working under BSL-2 practices. Parasite culture or mammalian cell culture experience is desirable when applicable to approved projects.
- A relevant master's degree or equivalent directly relevant research experience is preferred.
- Ability to independently execute, evaluate, adapt, and troubleshoot molecular research protocols using appropriate controls and contamination-prevention practices.
- Knowledge of BSL-2 practices, specimen handling, chemical safety, waste management, and research quality assurance.
- Ability to organize concurrent experiments, maintain accurate laboratory records and specimen traceability, and identify operational problems requiring escalation.
- Proficiency with spreadsheets, electronic laboratory records, and inventory or specimen databases; ability to summarize and analyze experimental data.
- Clear written and verbal communication, attention to detail, sound scientific judgment, and effective training and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
- Primarily on-site work in a BSL-2 molecular research laboratory at USF, with associated office and data-analysis activities. Work may involve human, animal, vector, and microbial specimens under approved protocols.
- Use of appropriate personal protective equipment and completion of required institutional training. Duties include pipetting, handling small specimens, working at laboratory benches and biosafety cabinets, standing or sitting for extended periods, and lifting up to 20 pounds as needed, with reasonable accommodation.
- Occasional travel to other USF campuses or research locations and occasional scheduling flexibility for time-sensitive experiments or specimen handling.
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
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
The position applies advanced scientific knowledge and independent judgment to laboratory coordination, protocol adaptation, experimental troubleshooting, quality assurance, and technical supervision. Management responsibilities directly support scientific research. The PI retains responsibility for overall research direction and final interpretation of findings. Scientific laboratory management includes coordinating research workflows, training personnel, maintaining specimen traceability, implementing standard operating procedures, and supporting safe and reproducible BSL-2 research. Formal budget administration, effort reporting, and human resources administration remain with the appropriate university personnel.
35% - Scientific laboratory operations: Plan and coordinate daily research workflows in consultation with the PI and research team. Organize sample processing, experimental schedules, and shared resources across projects. Develop, evaluate, and refine SOPs; troubleshoot workflow problems; and implement practices that improve research efficiency, consistency, and reproducibility.
20% - Research quality and biosafety: Oversee implementation of experimental quality controls, contamination prevention procedures, and approved BSL-2 practices. Maintain scientific and safety documentation, coordinate required training and inspection preparation, and follow up on corrective actions under PI and institutional oversight.
20% - Equipment and research resources: Oversee instrument performance, preventive maintenance, calibration, and service coordination. Evaluate research supply needs, coordinate purchasing, and maintain reagent and specimen inventories. Manage biobank organization, sample traceability, freezer records, and storage monitoring to preserve specimen integrity.
15% - Training and technical supervision: Train and provide day-to-day technical guidance to students, volunteers, and research personnel. Assess proficiency in laboratory methods, reinforce SOPs and documentation standards, coordinate shared responsibilities, and monitor the quality of technical work.
10% - Experimental support and methods development: Perform, optimize, and troubleshoot DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, and sequencing preparation workflows as needed. Evaluate assay performance, document findings, and contribute technical methods and results to research reports and manuscripts.
Minimum Education & Experience
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.
• 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.
- Experience in molecular biology, microbiology, parasitology, or a related biomedical research laboratory, including independent troubleshooting and optimization of experimental methods.
- Demonstrated experience with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, quality control, and sequencing library preparation; experience with Oxford Nanopore/Illumina workflows is desirable.
- Experience coordinating laboratory workflows, training students or staff, maintaining equipment and specimen inventories, and supporting biosafety inspections and research documentation.
- Experience processing human, animal, or vector-derived research specimens and working under BSL-2 practices. Parasite culture or mammalian cell culture experience is desirable when applicable to approved projects.
- A relevant master's degree or equivalent directly relevant research experience is preferred.
- Ability to independently execute, evaluate, adapt, and troubleshoot molecular research protocols using appropriate controls and contamination-prevention practices.
- Knowledge of BSL-2 practices, specimen handling, chemical safety, waste management, and research quality assurance.
- Ability to organize concurrent experiments, maintain accurate laboratory records and specimen traceability, and identify operational problems requiring escalation.
- Proficiency with spreadsheets, electronic laboratory records, and inventory or specimen databases; ability to summarize and analyze experimental data.
- Clear written and verbal communication, attention to detail, sound scientific judgment, and effective training and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
- Primarily on-site work in a BSL-2 molecular research laboratory at USF, with associated office and data-analysis activities. Work may involve human, animal, vector, and microbial specimens under approved protocols.
- Use of appropriate personal protective equipment and completion of required institutional training. Duties include pipetting, handling small specimens, working at laboratory benches and biosafety cabinets, standing or sitting for extended periods, and lifting up to 20 pounds as needed, with reasonable accommodation.
- Occasional travel to other USF campuses or research locations and occasional scheduling flexibility for time-sensitive experiments or specimen handling.
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
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
See All 32 Biological Scientist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Biological Scientist JobsBiological Scientist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Science & Research
- Chemicals & Materials
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in biological scientist jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a closely related life science field
- Proficiency with standard molecular techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture
- Experience designing and executing experiments and analyzing quantitative data
- Familiarity with statistical analysis software such as R, Python, or SPSS
- Ability to maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and comply with safety protocols
- Experience writing or contributing to scientific reports, grants, or peer-reviewed publications
Tips for Your Biological Scientist Job Search
Tailor your resume to lab techniques
List every instrument and assay you've run, including PCR platforms, flow cytometers, and imaging software. Hiring managers scan for exact technique names, and a vague 'laboratory experience' line won't get you past an applicant tracking system.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists biological scientist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Match your specialization to the sector
A molecular biology background lands differently at a pharma company than at a wildlife conservation nonprofit. Read the job description for the dominant model organism, funding source, or regulatory environment, then reframe your experience to match that specific context.
Highlight publications and data outputs
Even a co-authored poster or a dataset deposited in a public repository signals research output. Add a short publications or presentations section to your resume, since biological scientist roles, unlike many jobs, weight scholarly contribution alongside day-to-day skills.
Prepare for a skills demonstration interview
Many biology-focused employers add a whiteboard session or a data interpretation exercise after the initial screen. Practice talking through experimental design decisions out loud, because interviewers want to hear your reasoning process, not just your conclusion.
Negotiate start date around grant cycles
Academic and government labs often hire against specific funding windows. If you have flexibility, mentioning that you can start before a grant renewal date can move you ahead of candidates with identical qualifications who need a longer lead time.
Biological Scientist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most biological scientists?
The companies hiring the most biological scientists right now include Regeneron, State of Florida, and Altos Labs, with the largest share of openings in Florida, New York, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is strongest at biotech firms, federal research agencies, and large research universities.
How many biological scientist jobs are remote?
About 31% of biological scientist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the lab-dependent nature of most roles. The sub-areas most compatible with remote work are bioinformatics, computational biology, and science writing, where the core output is data analysis or documentation rather than bench work.
How do you become a biological scientist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field, then build hands-on lab skills through coursework, internships, or undergraduate research positions. Many research roles require a master's degree or PhD, so identify your target sector early: industry positions often value applied skills and can be entered with a bachelor's or master's, while academic and federal research careers typically expect doctoral training and postdoctoral experience.
How do you get hired as a biological scientist with little experience?
Focus on roles titled research associate, laboratory technician, or junior scientist, which are specifically structured for candidates early in their careers. Emphasize any coursework-based lab work, undergraduate thesis projects, or volunteer research you completed. Getting certified in a specific technique, such as flow cytometry operation or biosafety handling, can also distinguish your application when paid experience is limited.
What does the biological scientist interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone or video screen focused on your research background and techniques. That is typically followed by an in-person or virtual panel interview with the lab team, often including a research presentation or a technical exercise where you walk through experimental data. Some positions, particularly in government or large biotech firms, also require a written assessment or a second-round meeting with senior staff before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to biological scientist jobs?
You can find and apply to biological scientist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings to find roles that match your background, specialization, and location preference, then apply directly to each position that fits.
See All 32 Biological Scientist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Biological Scientist Jobs