Postdoctoral Associate in molecular biology and molecular genetics of RNA viruses

Postdoc Aso

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 .

A postdoctoral position is available in the Folimonova Laboratory at the University of Florida, Department of Plant Pathology, Gainesville, FL to conduct research in the area of molecular biology and molecular genetics of RNA viruses. Specifically, our laboratory is examining the involvement of a viral long noncoding RNA and a viral protein in the interaction between strains of citrus tristeza virus, a positive-strand RNA virus (viral superinfection exclusion). Our research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, USA.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Examine the involvement of a citrus tristeza virus long noncoding RNA and viral proteins in the interaction between virus strains and the virus interaction with the host
• Design and conduct research, collect and analyze data, work on manuscript preparation
• Participate in training graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory

Position expectations:

The successful candidate is expected to achieve significant progress during the support, measured by publications and preliminary data for grant applications.

Position location:

The position is located at the University of Florida, Department of Plant Pathology, Gainesville, FL.

Salary:

Salary starts at $59,000 per year plus benefits.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

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.

Commensurate with education and experience

- PhD (or an equivalent degree) in virology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or in another related field

- Strong skills in cloning and other molecular biology and biochemistry techniques

- Experience in RNA and protein biology

- Previous experience with confocal microscopy and/or electron microscopy

- Excellent writing and oral communication skills documented by publications in the leading scientific journals

- Must be able to carry research independently as well as work in a team and will be expected to assist undergraduate and graduate students in the lab

- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values .

• Experience with plant pathogens and plant material
• Experience with bioinformatic analysis of host and pathogen gene expression and protein/RNA structure

Application Information

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• Cover letter that states applicant’s motivation in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

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).

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 Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

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.