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.

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.