The University of Florida is hiring a Postdoctoral Associate to contribute to a project focused on developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based control strategies for pest and invasive ants and cockroaches. This role integrates bioinformatic and laboratory approaches to create targeted and environmentally sustainable pest management alternatives.
What You'll Do
- Design and conduct experiments related to RNAi target identification, dsRNA construct design, and delivery optimization.
- Carry out molecular and genomic work, including sequence analysis, primer design, PCR, dsRNA synthesis, RNA extraction, cDNA preparation, and RT-qPCR.
- Help establish and refine oral delivery assays in ants and other pest insects.
- Conduct mortality, behavior, and other phenotype-based assays in laboratory colonies or group-based bioassays.
- Analyze genomic, transcriptomic, and experimental datasets using appropriate statistical and computational tools.
- Prepare manuscripts, project reports, figures, and presentations.
- Contribute to collaborative discussions with team members and industry advisors.
- Mentor undergraduate researchers or other junior lab members working on the project.
- Participate in a collegial, supportive, and inclusive research environment.
What We're Looking For
- Ph.D. in biological sciences (e.g., entomology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, ecology, or a closely related field) by the start date.
Nice to Have
- Evidence of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in progress.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-based research environment.
- Experience supporting or mentoring undergraduate student researchers.
- Relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: Molecular biology and functional genetics, including RNA work, RT-qPCR, primer design, dsRNA synthesis, RNA interference (RNAi), gene expression analysis, or related molecular workflows; Genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics, including comparative genomics, sequence-based analyses, or related computational approaches; Insect biology and experimental assays, including insect husbandry, behavioral assays, pest insect biology, or other laboratory-based insect research; Quantitative data analysis, including experimental design, statistics, and use of R, Python, or similar tools for biological data analysis.
Technical Stack
- RT-qPCR
- PCR
- RNA extraction
- cDNA preparation
- dsRNA synthesis
- RNA interference (RNAi)
- Gene expression analysis
- Comparative genomics
- Sequence-based analyses
- R
- Python
- Statistics
Team & Environment
The position is based in the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, with opportunities for collaboration across the University of Florida, including strong connections with Entomology and Nematology. You will report to Dr. Elizabeth Cash. The lab fosters a collegial, supportive, and inclusive research environment within a community of faculty, students and staff who support a culture of respect and dignity where learning and research thrive.
Benefits & Compensation
- Salary: $58,656 annually.
- Eligibility for University of Florida employee benefits in accordance with university policies.
Work Mode
This is an onsite position located in Gainesville, Florida.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity employer.
