Post-Doctoral Associate – Blueberry Breeding and Genomics

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the In vitro breeding team in the Blueberry Breeding and Genomics Lab (Dr. Patricio Munoz’s Lab), within the Horticultural Science Department. This is a 12-month non-tenure-accruing position focused on advancing in vitro breeding strategies for blueberry, including ploidy manipulation and mutation breeding. The role involves designing and conducting field trials, performing marker-trait association analyses, metabolic profiling, identifying research opportunities in tissue culture, developing haploid lines, screening somatic mutations, and utilizing omics analysis. The position also includes preparing data reports, presenting results, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to grant writing, and mentoring students and team members. Opportunities for growth in research, programming, teaching, grant writing, extension, and mentoring are provided. The lab is integrated with the University of Florida's Artificial Intelligence Initiative and has access to the HiPerGator supercomputer. The lab has a 100% success rate in placing postdocs in desired jobs, often in industry positions.

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 elucidate the mutation induction mechanism and trends in regions affected by the different strategies.
• Design metabolic profiling of tissue.
• Identify research opportunities related to tissue culture and cellular manipulation.
• Help develop haploid lines.
• Help screen somatic mutation accumulation during TC.
• Use 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 and supporting the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.
• Help mentor other team members and students.

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