Postdoctoral Associate position in Microbiology and Cell Science

Postdoc Aso

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 .

One postdoctoral position is available in the Lorca Lab in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida, Gainesville.

An NIH funded postdoctoral position is available for a candidate that seeks to be part of an interdisciplinary team investigating the role of a new probiotic in patients with type 1 diabetes. Our lab isolated a strain of Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2 that prevents the onset of type I diabetes in a rodent model. Since then, my laboratory has been deeply involved in the in vitro and in vivo mechanistic characterization of this probiotic strain. We are currently performing phase 2 clinical trials in children and in adults with established T1D.

The applicant is expected to: perform immunophenotyping of samples from the clinical trial, isolate and characterize exosomes and extracellular vesicles, purify proteins, conduct experiments both in vitro and in vivo, present data at national meetings, prepare manuscripts, mentor junior lab members and collaborate on grant proposal submissions.

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

A PhD (foreign equivalent acceptable) is required. The successful applicant will have a strong background in microbial physiology and immunology. The applicant must be hard working, passionate about research, have strong writing skills, and be able to work independently and as part of a team. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship.

Candidates with a published track record in immunology and microbiology are preferred.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (Eastern) 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
• Statement of research experience (no longer than 1 page)
• Statement of career goals (no longer than 1 page)
• Unofficial transcripts

Nominations and inquiries may be sent to:

Graciela L. Lorca PhD

Department of Microbiology and Cell Science

Genetics Institute

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

University of Florida

glorca@ufl.edu

Phone: 352 2738090

Fax 352 2738284

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. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.