Post-doctoral Associate in Developmental Genetics

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 .

The Square Lab is seeking a postdoctoral associate to join our research group. The candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to research projects focused on understanding fundamental developmental biology principles using fish models (zebrafish and stickleback fish). Our current funding is focused on understanding the cell signaling events and genetic cascades that control the differentiation of skeletons and teeth. We use loss-of-function and gain-of-function to assess both the required functions and capabilities of developmental regulators implicated in the formation of the skeleton. More information about the lab and research can be found at the lab website: www.tylersquare.net. Additional responsibilities will include: training graduate and undergraduate students, disseminating results by writing papers and presenting at conferences, and assisting with fish room maintenance.

Qualified candidates must hold (or be expected to hold by their start date) a PhD or equivalent degree in biology or a relevant subfield. Proficiency in embryology, genetics, microscopy, live imaging, and molecular biology techniques is strongly preferred. It is additionally expected that the selected candidate will take the lead in applying for their own fellowship funding. This position will be initially awarded for one year and can be renewed contingent upon performance.

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.

EXPECTED SALARY:  

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.

Commensurate with education and experience; 50-60,000

• PhD in Biology or a related field conferred prior to the agreed upon start date
• Previous experience with embryology
• Molecular biology wet lab experience
• Thorough knowledge of genetics and vertebrate developmental biology
• Attention to detail, good organizational practices, and thorough documentation of procedures.
• Ability to regularly travel 1-2 miles between campus buildings regardless of weather conditions (shared departmental vehicles are available)
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values . 

• Previous experience with microinjection
• Familiarity with fish embryology and anatomy
• Previous experience executing bioinformatics analyses (e.g. RNAseq)
• Strong publication record

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 summarizing the applicant's qualifications, detailed research interests and goals, and suitability for the position
• 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 Opportunity Institution. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.