A post-doctoral position at the USDA-ARS-CMAVE lab (administered in collaboration with the Entomology and Nematology Dept., University of Florida) is available immediately requiring a Ph.D. degree and experience in one or more fields of molecular entomology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics and entomology. Funding is initially available for two-years with the possibility of extension.

The relevant research projects center on the creation of genetically-modified tephritid and drosophilid fruit fly strains for conditional sex-specific selection and male sterility to improve population control programs, and analysis and mitigation of genetic breakdown of conditional lethal insect strains. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to ongoing research while developing an independent research program having common objectives. These projects are funded by the USDA-NIFA Biotechnology Risk Assessment Program and contribute to ongoing collaborative FAO/IAEA Coordinated Research Projects. 

Preferred qualifications:  Theoretical knowledge and bench experience in insect molecular biological methodologies that include CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing, eucaryotic gene-transfer (e.g. germ-line transformation), RNAi, molecular cloning, PCR and RT-qPCR.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications, experience and UF guidelines

Location:
Handler Laboratory 
Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research Unit
USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology 
1700 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, Florida

Contact: Contact or send CV describing research background and references to

Dr. Alfred Handler: ahandler@ufl.edu

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.