• Instructional Assistant Professor/Lecturer

  Instructional Assistant Professor/Lecturer
  
  Location:
  Entomology and Nematology Department
  University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)
  Gainesville, Florida
  
  Salary: Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
  
  Review Date: For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by January 16, 2024. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.
  
  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.
  
  This is a 12-month, permanent, non-tenure-accruing Instructional Assistant Professor/Lecturer track faculty position that will be 100% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences), available in the Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), at the University of Florida. The position will be academically housed in the Entomology and Nematology Department within IFAS and the nature of assignment may change in accordance with the evolving needs of the Department and IFAS.
  
  The primary focus of this position will be to support the teaching mission of our expanding urban entomology program. The successful candidate will teach courses including Biology and Identification of Urban Pests (ENY3222/5223), Principles of Urban Pest Management (ENY3225/5226), and Urban IPM Practicum (ENY4230): an industry internship program to advance workforce development in urban pest management. Other courses could include the successful candidate’s area of expertise or other departmental needs. Other important aspects of this position will be serving as the coordinator for our distance education certificate programs in Urban Pest Management and Pest Control Technology and contributing to advising undergraduate students in our major.
  
  As part of their program, the successful candidate is encouraged to participate in scholarly activities related to instruction, including teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses, participating in curriculum revision and enhancement, supervising student research and creative work, conducting and publishing teaching-related scholarship, and engaging in professional development activities related to teaching and advising. The successful candidate will be expected to be entrepreneurial to facilitate the growth of the urban entomology programs, such as interfacing with pest management associations and extension faculty and enhancing the student experience.
  
  Qualifications
  Required:
  A M.S. or Ph.D. degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in entomology, nematology, biology, or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, and interpersonal relationships. Meaningful teaching experience, ideally including experience with distance education is also required. Experience or familiarity with urban pest or vector management, urban landscape entomology, the urban pest management industry or other related areas of urban entomology is required. Demonstrated commitment to working with and supporting a diverse community of students, either online, in person, or both. Candidates must also have a demonstrated commitment to the UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship.
  
  Preferred:
  Preference will be given to individuals with experience in one or more of the following: (1) working in or with industries related to urban pest management, (2) online teaching, (3) student mentorship, leadership or advising, and/or (4) curriculum development.
  
  Background Information:
  The Entomology & Nematology Department is housed in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences with locations in Gainesville, FL and around the state at Research and Education Centers. Our undergraduate and graduate entomology programs are both among the largest in the country with a variety of subject areas. Non-thesis distance M.S. and on-line certificate programs are also an important component of our teaching efforts. Course offerings attract students in diverse majors from across colleges within the university.
  
  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.
  
  Employment Conditions
  This position is available immediately and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.
  
  Nominations
  Nominations are welcome. Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee. This information should be sent to:
  Please refer to Requisition # 529701
  Dr. Jennifer Weeks
  Chair, Search and Screen Committee
  University of Florida
  Entomology & Nematology
  P.O. Box 110620
  1881 Natural Area Drive
  Gainesville, FL 32611
  Telephone: 352-273-3955
  Facsimile: 352-392-5660
  Electronic Mail: jenweeks1@ufl.edu
  
  Application Information
  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
  • A teaching/advising philosophy statement that describes previous in-person and online teaching and mentoring experience as well as specific teaching strengths and interests.
  • Contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial graduate transcripts
    
    Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if the 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.

• eDNA/eRNA Monitoring for Honey Bee Pests and Pathogens

  Date Available:  Immediately

  Location:  Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (HBREL)              

  Entomology and Nematology Department
  University of Florida
  Bldg. 970, Steinmetz Hall
  Natural Area Dr.
  Gainesville, FL, 32611-0620
  http://www.ufhoneybee.com

  Appointment:  The position is full-time for three years. This is a non-tenure accruing position.

  Pay Rate:  $52,000 / year, plus benefits

  Position Description:  The University of Florida (UF) Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (HBREL) and University of Memphis (UM) have been awarded a USDA-NIFA-AFRI grant to continue the development of eDNA/eRNA-based diagnostic tools for accurate identification of honey bee pests and pathogens from environmental samples. The team is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to lead the project. The work includes sample collection, nucleic acid extractions, sequencing, and bioinformatics, among other project responsibilities. The postdoc will work with the co-PIs Dr. Jamie Ellis (UF), and Dr. Leigh Boardman (UM) to complete the project. The three main aims include: (1) determining whether eRNA can be used to detect honey bee viruses, (2) determining if eDNA/eRNA can be used to detect emergent threats to U.S. honey bees, and (3) establishing an eDNA/eRNA survey method that could be adopted for U.S. honey bee health monitoring programs. The postdoc will be required to work closely with other HBREL research team members and outside collaborators (both domestic and international), to produce project reports to fulfill the duties associated with grant(s), to develop peer-reviewed manuscripts, and to attend/present at conferences. Opportunities to engage with public audiences will also be available. Furthermore, domestic and international travel is expected as a condition of this project.

  Qualifications: 

  1. A PhD in bioinformatics, biology, entomology, microbiology, or a related discipline
  2. Experience with DNA metabarcoding (or similar) techniques and associated bioinformatics
  3. Evidence of research productivity
  4. Effective interpersonal and organizational skills, excellent time management skills, and ability to integrate successfully into a laboratory employing students, technicians, and postdocs with varied interests
  5. Valid passport, driver’s license, and ability to travel internationally

  Knowledge of honey bees is not required.

  The postdoc will be based in Gainesville, FL, and will report directly to Dr. Jamie Ellis. The postdoc will collaborate regularly with Dr. Leigh Boardman, as well as several U.S. and international collaborators.

  Application:
  A review of applications will begin 19 June 2023 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Applicants must submit applications to Mr. Chris Oster (osterc96@ufl.edu). To be considered for this position, one must submit (1) a cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) pdf copies of three refereed publications or preprints, and (4) unofficial university transcripts. (5) Furthermore, it is the candidate’s responsibility to arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent directly to Mr. Oster from the individuals supplying the letters. Email submission of complete application is required. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please email Dr. Jamie Ellis (jdellis@ufl.edu) with any questions.

  The 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).

  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 .

  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 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.

• Behavior and Microbiome Postdoctoral Positions

  We are looking for up to two highly motivated individuals to join our research team (Adam CN Wong’s lab) as postdoctoral fellows on a 5-year NIH-funded program

  The chosen individuals will lead cross-disciplinary research combining multi-omics, molecular genetics, and quantitative behavioral assay approaches to establish the mechanisms underlying microbial modulation of host behaviors using the Drosophila model. The selected candidates will actively engage with our collaborators from Harvard Medical School Genetics Department and USDA-ARS Chemistry Research Unit.

  Key responsibilities include:

  • Develop and optimize various fly behavioral assays.
  • Execute multi-omics experiments and analyses (including single-cell and bulk RNAseq, metabolomics, proteomics).
  • Conduct fly genetic experiments (including GWAS and targeted gene manipulation).
  • Conduct confocal microscopy and imaging of fly tissues.

  Minimum qualifications: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genomics/Genetics, Microbiology, Neurobiology, Entomology, or relevant field. A good command of statistics and English writing.

  Preferred qualifications: Candidates with demonstrated experience in RNAseq, metabolomics, fly genetics, bacterial genetics, or neuroscience techniques are highly desired.

  Salary: $48,000 to $55,000 (depending on skills and experience) plus fringe benefits.

  Start date: Flexible

  Duration: Two years, with possibility for renewal based on performance.

  To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter in pdf files to Dr. Adam CN Wong (adamcnwong@ufl.edu) with the subject line “Postdoc application: behavior and microbiome". Please include the contact information of at least two references familiar with your work.

  
  The University of Florida is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We welcome nominations of and applications from anyone who would bring additional dimensions to the university's research, teaching and extension mission, including women, members of minority groups, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

• Currently there are no staff openings

  Currently there are no staff openings

• Currently there are no OPS openings

  Currently there are no OPS openings

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