Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoc Aso

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment of inclusive excellence that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression. Inclusive excellence is the active process of including and respecting everyone as we strive for excellence and equitable outcomes in all we do at the University of Florida. 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 .

The Department of Horticultural Sciences, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Laboratory of Dr. Robert J. Ferl and Dr. Anna-Lisa Paul is seeking a full time, time-limited Postdoctoral Associate to work on projects associated with the UF Space Plants Laboratory research. The primary responsibilities of this position are to conduct research based on the direction of the PIs in the field of plant molecular biology and biochemistry. The research focus will primarily be evaluating gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana in response to relevant exploration environments, including spaceflight (orbital and suborbital) and planetary analogs (hypobaric habitats). The successful candidate will have experience in Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation, nucleic acid and protein extraction from plant tissue, real-time PCR, and other standard research techniques of molecular biology. This position requires expertise in RNA extraction form plant tissues and RNAseq analyses, as well as familiarity with bioinformatics and analyses of large datasets. Multiple projects may be assigned in accordance with the needs of the laboratory. High level of independence is required. The ability to assist and guide graduate and undergraduates in a university setting will be expected of the position. Preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related field.
• Experience in real-time PCR, preferably using both TaqMan and SYBRGreen chemistry.
• Whole genome expression analysis: functional gene annotations, clustering, familiarity with TAIR GO, AgriGO, GeneMania, Genevestigator and the like.
• Mining existing molecular databases, particularly gene expression and hybridization array data of public repositories such as ArrayExpress, NCBI GEO and alike.

Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication and interpersonal relationships. 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.

• RNAseq experimental design and bioinformatic analysis of large datasets.
• Experience in Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation
• Experience in RNA work, extraction from various plant tissues, quality control, RNA preparation for microarray and RNAseq.
• Experience in DNA work, extraction from various plant tissues, quality control, DNA preparation for Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing.

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 that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

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 Opportunity Institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.