Postdoctoral Research Associates to Characterize Microbial Ice Modulating Proteins and Molecules - University of Florida

Postdoc Aso

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment of inclusive excellence that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions. 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.

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2 Postdoctoral Research Positions to Characterize Microbial Ice Modulating Proteins and Molecules

The Christner Research Group at the University of Florida is seeking postdoctoral researchers for a project that will use a multipronged approach to investigate novel microbial proteins and molecules that affect ice nucleation, inhibition, recrystallization, and adhesion.

Research will focus on characterizing microbial ice-interacting compounds from newly isolated species and by using a functional metagenomic approach. The applicants selected will collaborate with a diverse team of microbiologists, ecologists, biochemists, and material scientists. Fieldwork is a component of the research and will focus on four thermokarst lakes on the North Slope of Alaska. The goal of the project is to contribute new understanding to the molecular adaptations of microbes that exist in subzero environments and to bioprospect candidate compounds for ice-control. Substances that bind, inhibit or enhance, and control the size, shape, and growth of ice crystals have enormous potential in the applied science sector (e.g., controlled freezing, cryoprotection, green de-icers, and anti-icing coatings).

The anticipated start date is early fall 2023. For additional information, contact Brent Christner (xner@ufl.edu).

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students.  UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Commensurate with Experience and Education

Ideal candidates will have: 1) a solid foundation in microbiology or related field; 2) technical proficiency in microbial culturing and metagenomics; 3) demonstrated skills in statistical analysis, bioinformatics, and data visualization; 4) excellent written and verbal communication skills; 5) independence and initiative to identify new research questions; and 6) the ability to organize and execute high latitude research. Applicants must have been awarded a Ph.D. degree.

Previous field experience is desired but not required.

For full consideration applications must be submitted by 31 January 2024.

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• 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.