Job Overview
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate for the Baysal Lab within the Horticultural Sciences Department and the Crop Transformation Center (CTC). This position focuses on advancing plant transformation and genome engineering, specifically developing virus-mediated delivery systems to achieve tissue-culture-free, transgene-free, heritable edits in plants.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute experiments in citrus and other crop species using viral vectors.
- Coordinate day-to-day lab operations.
- Contribute to experimental design and data analysis.
- Assist with manuscript preparation.
Required Qualifications
- A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in plant molecular biology, plant biotechnology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Supportive of the Land-Grant system’s mission.
- Commitment to UF core values.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with molecular cloning and vector construction.
- Proficiency in standard molecular analyses: PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, Sanger and amplicon sequencing, and analysis of editing outcomes.
- Track record of first-author peer-reviewed publications.
- Strong written and oral communication in English.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Experience with plant RNA or DNA virus vectors, VIGS, or virus-induced gene editing.
- Experience with CRISPR-Cas reagent design and delivery in plants.
- Familiarity with NGS data analysis and command-line bioinformatics (e.g., CRISPResso, Python or R).
- Experience mentoring students or technicians and coordinating lab operations.
Expected Salary
Commensurate with experience and education.
Application Process
To apply, individuals must go online to Careers at UF by 11:55 PM EDT on the closing date and submit the following:
- Cover letter stating applicant’s interest and qualifications.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation.
- Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required upon hire).
Degrees earned from outside the United States require evaluation by a NACES-approved credentialing service provider.
Important Dates
- Advertised: September 24, 2026, Eastern Daylight Time
- Applications Close: October 25, 2026, Eastern Daylight Time
- Position Available: November 2026
About the University of Florida and UF/IFAS
The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution with over 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, employing nearly 4,500 people. The Horticultural Sciences Department, ranked among the top 9 globally, has diverse teaching, research, and extension education programs.
The Center for Crop Transformation (CTC)
Founded in 2023 and directed by Dr. Charlie Messina, the CTC addresses the need for rapid development and commercialization of genetically improved crops. Its primary focus is creating citrus varieties that can tolerate or resist citrus greening disease (HLB), aiming to accelerate genetic gain in specialty crops for improved human and environmental health.
https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/541469/postdoctoral-associate-crop-transformation-center-ctc
