Position Details
Dept Number/Name: 471000 - Florida Institute of Oceanography
Location: Florida Keys, Layton, FL
Salary Plan: Administrative
Job Code/Title: 5035 / Sr. Biological Scientist
Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $58,250 to $68,000 (commensurate based on experience)
Position Number: 100017880
Organizational Summary:
The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is an institute of the University of South Florida that connects Florida’s academic, public, and private partners to the marine environment through oceanographic research, education, workforce development, and applied maritime operations. As a regional marine science and technology resource, FIO provides access to research vessels, specialized marine equipment, field operations expertise, and the Keys Marine Laboratory to support discovery, student learning, environmental stewardship, and solutions to complex coastal and ocean challenges.
Through its vessels, facilities, and experienced maritime professionals, FIO enables researchers, students, agencies, and industry partners to conduct work on, in, and around the water safely and effectively. FIO supports oceanographic research while also serving as a broader platform for interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, marine technology testing, public-private collaboration, and workforce development. As part of USF, FIO strengthens the university’s role as a leader in ocean science, coastal resilience, and marine innovation while serving the needs of Florida and the broader ocean community.
Position Description:
Incumbent will serve as the Manager of the Florida Institute of Oceanography - Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) seawater systems to operate and manage the Seawater Systems at the KML in addition to captaining vessels and acting as lead science diver. Incumbent must have depth of knowledge of scientific sampling in the coastal marine environment, as this position is located at the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), Layton FL in the Florida Keys.
As a requirement, incumbent must have sufficient boat handling skills to safely operate small vessels up to 30’ length in marine coastal waters. Position will perform specific tasks that will include assisting visiting university education and research groups at KML and on the water as vessel operator (sometimes as the sole operator). Incumbent will assist visiting researchers at KML which may include site selection, sampling, and data collection, and data management and transfer. Tasks may include contributions to the design and execution of research protocols, data analysis, and preparation of publications. As a requirement incumbent must be currently certified SCUBA diver with a minimum of 50 open water dives (Advanced and Rescue Diver certifications, AAUS status preferred).
Incumbent must be able to attain AAUS scientific diver status within 2 months to support KML's SCUBA mission critically to support scientists, graduate students, and undergraduates in their collection and sampling of specimens in the field.
Incumbent must have depth of knowledge of scientific sampling in the coastal marine environment, as this onsite position is located at the marine field station, Layton, Florida in the Florida Keys. This position will report directly to the KML Associate Director position on the KML Layton campus location.
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a natural or medical science and 2 years of research experience and field work ; 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. Must be able to maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with collecting oceanographic specimen and interpreting data is preferred.
Special Skills/Training:
SCUBA certification (Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver or AAUS)
Sufficient boat handling skills to safely operate small vessels up to 30’ length in marine coastal waters
Requires: Criminal History background Check - Level 1 / Drug Screen
Please provide the following documents when completing your application:
Curriculum vitae / resume
A copy of academic transcripts
Contact information for three professional references (one must be your current/most recent supervisor).
The selected candidate must have a current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
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.
