Postdoctoral
position (2-year): Microbiomes of Invasive Fruit Flies (crop pests)

Location:
University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department, Gainesville, Florida

Salary: $47,500 plus fringe benefits and 3% annual increase.

Start date: First week of October, but an earlier start date (up to early September) is possible.

Duration: 2 years (with possibility of extension for another year).

Description:
A postdoctoral position is available from Adam CN Wong’s lab at University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department in Gainesville, Florida. We are interested in applying meta-transcriptomics and microbial genome sequencing to study the nutritional roles of gut-associated microbes in two major invasive fruit fly pests on different crops and nutrient environments. Specifically, we are studying the spotted winged drosophila (SWD) Drosophila suzukii and the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic team with 4 graduate and 10 undergraduate students. S/he will actively engage with our collaborators from the USDA and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel..

Minimum qualifications:
PhD in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Microbiology, Entomology, Ecology or relevant field.

Preferred qualifications:
Candidates with demonstrated experience of RNAseq, microbial genome sequencing, microbiome analyses, and/or bacterial genetics are highly desired.

To apply, please submit a CV and a 1-page cover letter in pdf files to Dr Adam Wong (adamcnwong@ufl.edu) with the subject line “Postdoc application: fruit fly microbiomes”. Please include names and contact information of at least two references familiar with your work. The position will remain open until filled.

For more info, please visit:

https://microbiota.wixsite.com/adam-wong

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_eMzgj8AAAAJ&hl=en

Biological Scientist Position
(1-year): Host-microbe interactions

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, microbiology or a closely related field, with 1+ year of research experience.

Preferred qualifications: Master’s or Doctoral degree holders are welcome to apply. Demonstrated competency on molecular biology and/or microbiology techniques is desirable.

Salary: $12-18/hour, commensurate with education level and experience.

Start date: Available immediately.

Duration: 1 years (with possibility of extension based on funding and performance).

A biological scientist OPS position is available from Adam CN Wong’s lab at University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department in Gainesville, Florida. The position aims to study the interactions between a human pathogen (Vibrio Cholerae) and an insect (chironomids, also known as nonbiting midges) in an aquatic setting using microcosms in the lab.

The successful candidate will provide assistance in preparing and maintaining the chironomid colony, generating axenic (germ-free) and gnotobiotic chironomid larvae, quantifying bacteria by culture-dependent methods, and conducting basic molecular techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis). The candidate will work with a team of a graduate student and several undergraduate interns. S/he will also actively engage with our collaborators from the UF Emerging Pathogen Institute (EPI) and USDA. Training will be provided.

To apply, please submit a CV and a 1-page cover letter in pdf files to Dr Adam Wong (adamcnwong@ufl.edu) with the subject line “Biological Scientist position: Host-microbe interactions”. Please include names and contact information of two references. The position will remain open until filled.

For more info, please visit:
https://microbiota.wixsite.com/adam-wong
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_eMzgj8AAAAJ&hl=en​