Research Assistant Professor - Biosciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the University of Florida (UF) College of Medicine invite applications for a non-tenure-track position at the rank Research Assistant Professor. Our faculty includes some of the brightest and most innovative scholars spanning the virology and genetics disciplines. The Department continues a major expansion of the faculty as part of a 5-year strategic plan. We invite you to learn more about us by visiting https://mgm.ufl.edu/ and https://epi.ufl.edu/. We are seeking an outstanding and creative investigator. Collaborate closely with laboratory personnel to design and implement experiments that characterize biological traits and integrate results with bioinformatics analyses. Design and develop bioinformatics pipelines that leverage short- and long-read sequencing technologies to deliver high-quality genome assemblies for collaborators’ evolutionary and ecology projects conducted in the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) space that manages the Hugh-Jones collection. Maintain comprehensive records, including laboratory entry logs, digital research notebooks, working stock inventories (refrigerators/incubators), and long-term Select Agent records (using FreezerPro).

Requirements

• PhD in Biosciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related field
• State-of-the-art expertise in long-read sequencing technologies and associated bioinformatics pipelines, including proficiency with GPU-enabled Oxford Nanopore software.
• Demonstrated success generating genome assemblies from Illumina short-read platforms (e.g., NextSeq and/or NovaSeq).
• Proven expertise in recovering bacteria from environmental samples, including species identification and characterization, and the ability to link environmental conditions to bacterial presence and pathogen emergence.
• Demonstrated experience working in or with hospital or clinical laboratories as part of prior research.

Nice To Haves

• A bacteriologist with extensive experience using current bioinformatics approaches to characterize bacterial genomes, with an emphasis on linking genomic traits to spatial and ecological patterns of pathogen persistence, emergence, and outbreak intensity.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with laboratory personnel to design and implement experiments that characterize biological traits and integrate results with bioinformatics analyses.
• Design and develop bioinformatics pipelines that leverage short- and long-read sequencing technologies to deliver high-quality genome assemblies for collaborators’ evolutionary and ecology projects conducted in the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) space that manages the Hugh-Jones collection.
• Maintain comprehensive records, including laboratory entry logs, digital research notebooks, working stock inventories (refrigerators/incubators), and long-term Select Agent records (using FreezerPro).
• Leveraging expertise in bacterial characterization and genomics, this role will provide diagnostic expertise and assess the emergence or re-emergence potential of zoonotic pathogens encountered.

Benefits

• Low-cost State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Generous Retirement Options to secure your future
• Comprehensive Paid Time Off Packages: (includes over 10 paid holidays, as well as paid family, sick and vacation leave)
• Exceptional Personal and Professional Development Opportunities: Access to UF Training & Organizational Development programs, leadership development, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees