Postdoc ASO

The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. 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.

The University of Florida (UF) Plant Pathology Department is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance the understanding and sustainable management of bacterial and fungal plant pathogens and plant parasitic nematodes by the use of soil micropredators (Martins et al. 2022). This is a collaborative, interdisciplinary project funded by the USDA- Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative. The postdoc will work in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team from University of California-Davis, Penn State, The Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station, and William Paterson University. The selected individual will be expected to design, coordinate, and conduct research projects, including but not limited to studies of plant microbiomes, advancing the detection and quantification of plant pathogens and plant-parasitic nematodes via qPCR, and developing sustainable management methods of plant disease.

Thirty percent of the time, the incumbent will be expected to contribute to other projects in the lab and manage the day-to-day operations of a modern phytobacteriology research laboratory. There is a vibrant group of postdocs in the plant pathology department. UF offers many opportunities for professional development which the incumbent will be encouraged to attend.

Lab and Greenhouse work

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

• Isolate nucleic acids

• Design primers and perform PCR and qPCR

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

• Ensure that 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

• Manuscripts

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students.  UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Plant Science, or closely related fields.
• A U.S. driver’s license and being able to travel to the field to collect soil/plant samples are also required.
• The successful candidate must be ethical and 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 a team.
• Candidates are expected to have experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and microbiome analysis as well as experience writing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Skills with statistical analysis of data using R and bioinformatics skills are desired.
• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.  Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

• Previous postdoctoral experience is a plus and/or experience with quantitative qPCR, Illumina and Nanopore sequencing, data visualization (R, illustrator), managing and analyzing large data sets with Rstudio or similar tools, experience working with bacteria and plant parasitic nematodes.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
  • Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information for three academic/professional references

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

Selected candidate will be required to provide an 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).

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

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.