• Currently there are no faculty openings

  Currently there are no faculty openings

• 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.

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• Currently there are no staff openings

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• Program Assistant

  Job Description:

  Assist Entomology and Nematology Department Extension faculty with training and education programs that engage partners and clientele across Florida. Primary focus will be working with faculty on projects focused on integrated pest management (IPM) and biodiversity conservation in horticultural systems. Work closely with Extension faculty to facilitate and coordinate in-person and web-based Extension workshops, conferences, and field days; administer and curate pre- and post-training clientele evaluation surveys; assist with registration and student support for Extension Online Learning; and curate survey data to help communicate department Extension program impacts.

  Extension Event Planning and Coordination

  • Assist Extension faculty with scheduling Extension events (e.g., workshops, symposia, conferences, webinars)
  • Assist Extension faculty with coordinating local arrangements for in-person events (e.g., space reservations, accommodations)
  • Assist Extension faculty with developing and producing materials and supplies needed on-site for events (e.g., displays, name tags)
  • Coordinate with state agencies and associations to secure continuing education credits (CEUs) for event attendees
  • Assist Extension faculty with event attendee registration and Q&A (e.g., EventBrite registration)
  • Process financial documents related to events, like receipts, invoices, and expense reimbursements
  • Extension events may include, but are not limited to, county agent In-Service Trainings (ISTs), the Urban Innovation Hub Annual Symposium, a sustainable vegetable production conference, and a state-wide conference on integrating pest management with biodiversity conservation in lawn and ornamental systems.

  Capturing Extension Impacts

  • Work with Extension faculty in Entomology and Nematology, key collaborators, and the Program Development and Evaluation Center
  • Entering clientele evaluation survey data captured by Extension faculty
  • Inputting faculty-developed evaluation surveys into Qualtrics
  • Distributing and promoting faculty-developed surveys to target clientele groups
  • Collect impact summaries from ENY Extension faculty
  • Maintain a databased of survey results (including clientele testimonials and success stories) that can be queried for reports

  Facilitation of Extension Online Learning

  • Fielding questions from clientele regarding Extension Online Learning course offerings
  • Assisting with student registrations and receipt of Certificates of Completion
  • Coordinate with ENY Extension faculty who have IFAS Extension Online offerings to troubleshoot and answer student questions

  Extension Communication

  • Work with Extension faculty to develop and/or update web-based educational resources (e.g., UF IFAS Southeastern Landscape Pest Application) and other modalities
  • Work with Extension faculty to assist with minor updates to sunsetting EDIS publications (e.g., hyperlink updates)
  • Collaborate with ENY Communications Team to develop ENY Annual Impacts report / infographic
  • Collaborate with the ENY Communications Team to develop ENY Extension marketing materials, ads, or newsletters.

  Miscellaneous

  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Chair or Supervisor.
    
    

  Expected Salary:
  $19.15/hour to $23.94/hour

  Minimum Requirements:
  Bachelor’s degree in biology, entomology, horticulture, or agricultural education and communication, or other agricultural science discipline. Bachelor’s degree in other disciplines may be acceptable if translatable to position duties. At least five years of experience working in a similar role may substitute for degree qualifications.
  

  Preferred Qualifications:
  

  • Knowledge of biological sciences, especially entomology terminology and methods associated with these sciences.
  • Experience with Cooperative Extension
  • Ability to work independently
  • Proficiency with computer software and services including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; Qualtrics; Canvas Learning Management System; EventBrite
  • Should be flexible and able to adjust to changing work priorities and varied assignments
  • Customer service-oriented with demonstrated ability to maintain effective work relationships with faculty, staff, students, and diverse professional clientele.

  Special Instructions to Applicants:
  In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume and list of three references. 
  This is a time-limited position.
  Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

  Click here to apply: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/533163/program-assistant-ops

   

   

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