Scientist Jobs in Florida
Scientist jobs in Florida are active across a broad range of sectors, including biotech and life sciences, environmental consulting, aerospace research, and government-funded laboratories, with demand running from entry-level research associate positions through senior principal scientist roles. The strongest hiring markets are Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, where anchor employers such as Labcorp, L3Harris Technologies, and the University of Florida Health system maintain lasting research and development operations. Environmental science, biomedical research, and materials science are among the most consistently sought specialties in the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 123+ Scientist jobs
Requisition No: 886447
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS F&W Biologicial Scientist III - 77907468
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77907468
Salary: $29 per hour
Posting Closing Date: 11/19/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
FWRI – Center for Biostatistics and Modeling
Ecological Data Specialist – OPS
$29 per hour
100 8th Ave. SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
FWRI – Center for Biostatistics and Modeling
Ecological Data Specialist – OPS 77907468
St. Petersburg, Florida - $29 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:
6 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or
A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional experience as described above; or
A doctorate from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional experience as described above or
A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences.
Experience with fish and wildlife data collection and analysis techniques preferred
Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) principles and tools is preferred, including ArcGIS Pro/Online and spatial data analysis in R
Familiarity with low code tools and application development is preferred, including but not limited to ESRI Survey123, ESRI Field Maps, MS Access, R/Shiny
Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
Provide timely data science support to FWC research staff. These services include assistance in the design and implementation of relational databases to ensure data quality and integrity. This assistance may be in the form of recommendations of appropriate tools, methods, and software; discussions of database workflow issues, priority needs, and potential solutions; or building databases and front-end applications and providing written data manuals and documentation. Ensure appropriate agency policies and procedures are followed for metadata generation, data storage and sharing, project workflow documentation, software selection, and security. Follows standards, develops reusable tools, trainings, and webinars at the direction of leadership.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Skill in excellent written and oral communication skills  
Ability to understand and appreciate natural resource problems from the perspective of a biologist or resource manager
Ability to produce scientific database & application user manuals in a manner that is easily shared with and understood by biologists
Knowledge of working in SQL, Excel, MS Access, or R/Shiny
Skill with relational databases
Skill with relational database design principles, data standardization methodologies, and relational database structures
Ability to multi-task and work independently to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments 
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with research staff, including personnel stationed at field offices throughout the state of Florida 
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. .
Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
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/.
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.
APPLY HERE: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/SAINT-PETERSBURG-OPS-F&W-Biologicial-Scientist-III-77907468-FL-33703/1444911200/
Pay: From $29.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person
Requisition No: 886447
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS F&W Biologicial Scientist III - 77907468
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77907468
Salary: $29 per hour
Posting Closing Date: 11/19/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
FWRI – Center for Biostatistics and Modeling
Ecological Data Specialist – OPS
$29 per hour
100 8th Ave. SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
FWRI – Center for Biostatistics and Modeling
Ecological Data Specialist – OPS 77907468
St. Petersburg, Florida - $29 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:
6 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or
A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional experience as described above; or
A doctorate from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional experience as described above or
A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences.
Experience with fish and wildlife data collection and analysis techniques preferred
Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) principles and tools is preferred, including ArcGIS Pro/Online and spatial data analysis in R
Familiarity with low code tools and application development is preferred, including but not limited to ESRI Survey123, ESRI Field Maps, MS Access, R/Shiny
Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
Provide timely data science support to FWC research staff. These services include assistance in the design and implementation of relational databases to ensure data quality and integrity. This assistance may be in the form of recommendations of appropriate tools, methods, and software; discussions of database workflow issues, priority needs, and potential solutions; or building databases and front-end applications and providing written data manuals and documentation. Ensure appropriate agency policies and procedures are followed for metadata generation, data storage and sharing, project workflow documentation, software selection, and security. Follows standards, develops reusable tools, trainings, and webinars at the direction of leadership.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Skill in excellent written and oral communication skills  
Ability to understand and appreciate natural resource problems from the perspective of a biologist or resource manager
Ability to produce scientific database & application user manuals in a manner that is easily shared with and understood by biologists
Knowledge of working in SQL, Excel, MS Access, or R/Shiny
Skill with relational databases
Skill with relational database design principles, data standardization methodologies, and relational database structures
Ability to multi-task and work independently to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments 
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with research staff, including personnel stationed at field offices throughout the state of Florida 
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. .
Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
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/.
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.
APPLY HERE: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/SAINT-PETERSBURG-OPS-F&W-Biologicial-Scientist-III-77907468-FL-33703/1444911200/
Pay: From $29.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 123+ Scientist Jobs in Florida
Find roles in Florida that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Scientist JobsScientist Jobs by City in Florida
Where Florida roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Scientist Job Market in Florida
A snapshot from current Florida openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- State of Florida11
- University of Miami11
- University of Florida6
- L3Harris5
- BayCare Health System4
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Medical Devices
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Florida Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in scientist jobs across Florida.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a natural, physical, or life science discipline
- Hands-on laboratory or field research experience relevant to the hiring specialty
- Familiarity with regulated environments such as GLP, GMP, or EPA compliance frameworks
- Proficiency with data analysis tools and scientific software common to the specialty
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and cross-team collaboration
- Experience with Florida-specific environmental or biological systems preferred for ecology and environmental roles
Scientist Jobs in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a scientist in Florida?
Becoming a scientist in Florida starts with earning at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline, though many research and senior roles require a master's or doctorate. Florida does not issue a general scientist license, but professionals in specific applied fields must meet additional requirements: environmental scientists involved in certain assessments may need credentials recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and those working in clinical or forensic laboratory settings must meet Florida Agency for Health Care Administration certification standards.
Which companies hire scientists in Florida?
Employers hiring scientists in Florida right now include State of Florida, University of Miami, and University of Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Florida's concentration of aerospace contractors, life sciences companies, and state university research programs means demand comes from a wide mix of private industry and public institutions across the state.
Which Florida cities have the most scientist jobs?
The Florida cities with the most scientist openings are Tampa, Miami, and Orlando. Miami anchors life sciences and environmental research hiring, Tampa draws demand from pharmaceutical and public health organizations, and Orlando's aerospace and defense contractors, led by large employers in the simulation and technology corridor, account for a significant share of research and applied science positions.
Are there remote scientist jobs in Florida?
Yes, but they're relatively limited. Most scientist roles require on-site laboratory work, field sampling, or access to specialized equipment, which limits full remote arrangements. About 23% of scientist openings tied to Florida are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the remote share concentrated in data-heavy specialties such as computational biology, environmental data analysis, and regulatory affairs.
How can I get hired as a scientist in Florida with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for research associate or laboratory technician roles, which Florida employers routinely use to onboard candidates with limited professional experience. Large Florida institutions such as the University of Florida, the Moffitt Cancer Center, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection run internship and new-graduate programs that serve as direct pipelines into full-time positions. A completed thesis project, a relevant certification such as a Registered Environmental Manager credential, or documented hands-on coursework in instrumentation or field methods gives a candidate a concrete edge over applicants relying on coursework alone.
Where can I find and apply to scientist jobs in Florida?
You can find and apply to scientist jobs in Florida on Migrate Mate, which lists current Florida openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and specialty, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 123+ Scientist Jobs in Florida
Find roles in Florida that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Scientist Jobs