Post-Doctoral Associate – Blueberry Breeding and Genomics

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a 12-month non-tenure-accruing position available at the Blueberry Breeding and Genomics Lab (Dr. Patricio Munoz’s Lab) within the Horticultural Science Department at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The role focuses on advancing in vitro breeding techniques for Southern highbush blueberry (SHB), including ploidy manipulation and mutation breeding strategies. The position offers opportunities for growth in research, programming, teaching, grant writing, extension, and mentoring, with access to the HiPerGator supercomputer as part of the University of Florida's Artificial Intelligence Initiative. The lab has a strong track record of successful placement in industry positions post-postdoctoral experience.

Requirements

• A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) is required.
• Tissue culture experimentation experience.
• Strong team player and willing to train junior scientists.
• Independent, self-motivated, well-organized, and critical thinker.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
• Driver’s license to drive to and work in open-sun field trials.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with autotetraploid or polyploid plant genetics.
• A doctorate in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, Horticulture, or a closely related field.
• Experience with field experimental design and phenotypic data collection in crop plants.
• Experience with fruit crops.

Responsibilities

• Designing and conducting multi-environment field screening trials to characterize novel mutant lines.
• Performing marker-trait association analyses using genome-wide SNP datasets to identify and elucidate mutation induction mechanisms and trends in affected regions.
• Designing metabolic profiling of tissue.
• Identifying research opportunities related to tissue culture and cellular manipulation.
• Helping to develop haploid lines.
• Screening somatic mutation accumulation during tissue culture.
• Using analytical omics to increase understanding of regeneration, differentiation, competence, and mutations.
• Preparing data reports, presenting results at scientific meetings, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contributing to grant writing.
• Supporting the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.
• Mentoring other team members and students.
• Participating in research, programming, teaching, grant writing, extension, and mentoring opportunities.

Benefits

• Opportunities for growth in research, programming, teaching, grant writing, extension, and mentoring.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree