Postdoctoral Associate - Insect Virology / Cell Culture

Classification Title:

Postdoc Aso

Job Description:

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment of inclusive excellence that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression. Inclusive excellence is the active process of including and respecting everyone as we strive for excellence and equitable outcomes in all we do at the University of Florida. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. We strongly encourage historically underrepresented groups to apply.

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 to work on the replication of hemipteran viruses in insect cell culture. A major challenge for insect virology has been the lack of cell lines suitable for virus replication in non-lepidopteran species. The goal of this project is to screen continuous hemipteran cell lines for the presence of latent viruses, and to assess their ability to support the replication of viruses derived from various species of Hemiptera (e.g. stink bugs, aphids, Asian citrus psyllid).

Responsibilities :

Responsibilities include 1) virus purification from infected insects, 2) analysis of latent viruses in established cell lines, 3) generation of virus-free cell lines using RNAi, 4) testing of established hemipteran cell lines for their ability to support virus replication, and 5) testing of primary cell cultures for their ability to support virus replication. The position is available for 1 year with the potential for renewal.

Location : This position is based in the laboratory of Dr. Bryony C. Bonning, Eminent Scholar and Professor, Department of Entomology and Nematology at University of Florida. The Bonning lab provides outstanding infrastructure for cutting-edge research and has a strong record of innovation and trainee placement within the agricultural biotechnology industry sector, USDA and academia.

University of Florida has the largest Entomology and Nematology department in the nation, with outstanding facilities. The diverse faculty has strengths in both basic and applied research, and strong collaborative and interdepartmental interactions. Gainesville, Florida is consistently ranked among the Top 10 Best College Towns in the U.S.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in entomology, virology, microbiology, biochemistry or a related area
• Solid molecular biology skills

Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to IFAS core values of excellence, diversity, global involvement, and accountability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience with virology
• Experience with cell culture
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to the Careers at UF website and submit:
• a statement of research experience, interests and career goals
• Curriculum vitae including complete publication list
• 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 dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities

Health Assessment Required: No