The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. We strongly encourage historically underrepresented groups to apply.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

This is a full-time position located in the University of Florida (UF) Plant Pathology Department. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance the understanding and sustainable management of bacterial plant pathogens and plant parasitic nematodes. The selected individual will serve as the laboratory manager, and will be responsible for designing, coordinating, and conducting research projects, including studies of plant microbiomes, advancing the detection and quantification of closely related bacterial plant pathogens and plant parasitic nematodes, and developing biological control strategies and other sustainable management methods. The incumbent will be expected to train, supervise, and guide laboratory staff, students, visiting scientists and other postdocs. The incumbent will manage the day-to-day operations of a modern phytobacteriology research laboratory. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with a possibility of re-funding depending on the candidate performance.

Lab and Greenhouse work

• Design and set up experiments in the lab and greenhouse from beginning to end

• Isolate nucleic acids

• Perform PCR 

• Sample preparation for amplicon sequencing (16S, ITS, etc) and/or WGS

• Ensure that all laboratory operations follow UF protocols, including but not limited to lab safety

• Develop lab protocols, keep the lab organized and maintain the stock of materials in the lab necessary for the research

• Update supervisor regularly regarding the state of ongoing projects

Data analysis

• Compile and analyze experimental data and metadata

• Implement procedures to adequately archive data and samples

Scientific writing

• Write progress reports for research sponsors

• Project

• Manuscripts

Required:

This position requires a Doctoral degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Plant Science, or closely related fields. The successful candidate must possess exemplary organizational, interpersonal, communication, and writing skills. Meticulous attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and accurately are essential. Must be able to work independently as well as be part of the team. The candidates are expected to have experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and microbiome analysis. Have experience writing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. Skill with statistical analysis of data using R and bioinformatic skills are desired. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.  Candidates must also have a commitment to IFAS core values of excellence, diversity, global involvement, and accountability. 

Preferred:

Previous postdoctoral experience is a plus and/or experience with quantitative PCR, Illumina and Nanopore sequencing, data visualization (R, illustrator), managed and analyzed large data sets with Rstudio or similar tools, experience working with bacteria and plant parasitic nematodes, U.S. drivers license.

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to https://apply.interfolio.com/96555 and submit:

1) a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, how you would benefit from this opportunity, and how you meet the required qualifications,

2) a CV,

3) contact information for three academic/professional references

Contact Dr. Samuel Martins (sj.martins@ufl.edu) with any questions about the position.

Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire.  A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff.

The University of Florida is An Equal Employment Opportunity Institution. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352/392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800/955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

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