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The University of Florida (UF) Plant Pathology Department is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance the understanding and sustainable management of bacterial and fungal plant pathogens and plant parasitic nematodes by the use of soil micropredators (Martins et al. 2022). This is a collaborative, interdisciplinary project funded by the USDA- Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative. The postdoc will work in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team from University of California-Davis, Penn State, The Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station, and William Paterson University. The selected individual will be expected to design, coordinate, and conduct research projects, including but not limited to studies of plant microbiomes, advancing the detection and quantification of plant pathogens and plant-parasitic nematodes via qPCR, and developing sustainable management methods of plant disease.
Thirty percent of the time, the incumbent will be expected to contribute to other projects in the lab and manage the day-to-day operations of a modern phytobacteriology research laboratory. There is a vibrant group of postdocs in the plant pathology department. UF offers many opportunities for professional development which the incumbent will be encouraged to attend.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctoral degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Plant Science, or closely related fields.
• A U.S. driver’s license and being able to travel to the field to collect soil/plant samples are also required.
• The successful candidate must be ethical and possess exemplary organizational, interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and accurately are essential. Must be able to work independently as well as be part of a team.
• Candidates are expected to have experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and microbiome analysis as well as experience writing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Skills with statistical analysis of data using R and bioinformatics skills are desired.
• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Please refer the Job description for details