Postdoctoral Research Associate Position Available in eDNA/eRNA Monitoring for Honey Bee Pests and Pathogens
Location:
Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (HBREL), Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Bldg. 970, Steinmetz Hall, Natural Area Dr., Gainesville, FL, USA, 32611-0620
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:
- A PhD in bioinformatics, biology, entomology, microbiology, or a related discipline
- Experience with DNA metabarcoding (or similar) techniques and associated bioinformatics
- Evidence of research productivity
- 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
- 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 5 June 2023 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.
Applicants must submit applications to Mr. Chris Oster (oster96@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.
