Postdoctoral Associate in RNAi-Based Insect Pest Management

Gainesville, FL - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 2 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Classification Title:	Postdoctoral Associate in RNAi-Based Insect Pest Management
Classification Minimum Requirements:	Ph.D. in biological sciences (e.g. entomology molecular biology evolutionary biology ecology or a closely related field) by the start date
Job Description:	A postdoctoral associate position is available in the lab of Dr. Elizabeth Cash at the University of Florida for a researcher interested in insect molecular biology genomics chemical ecology and applied pest management. The postdoctoral associate will contribute to a CAMTech-funded project focused on developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based control strategies for pest and invasive ants and cockroaches. The research will involve identifying and prioritizing RNAi target genes designing and synthesizing dsRNA constructs evaluating oral delivery formulations measuring effects on survival and behavior and validating gene knockdown using RT-qPCR. Based in the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences this position also offers opportunities for collaboration across the University of Florida including strong connections with Entomology and Nematology. The successful applicant will help investigate how RNAi can be developed as a more targeted and environmentally sustainable alternative to broad-spectrum insecticides for the management of invasive and pest insects. Current focal systems include Argentine ants carpenter ants leaf-cutter ants and German cockroaches with two focal species to be prioritized based on project needs and industry guidance. The postdoctoral associate will play a central role in shaping experiments data analysis and related reports and manuscripts and the position is especially well suited for a candidate who enjoys integrating bioinformatic and laboratory approaches and is interested in building a research profile in insect genomics functional genetics or sustainable pest management. This is a full-time (FTE 1.0) time-limited postdoctoral appointment. Initial funding is currently available for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second year based on satisfactory progress and funding availability. Longer continuation may be possible if additional funding becomes available. The successful candidate may begin as soon as feasible following completion of the hiring process. The latest possible start date is July 1 2026. Responsibilities 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 The University of Florida is a leading public research university and a member of the State University System of Florida. Gainesville offers a strong scientific community an affordable cost of living compared with many major research hubs and access to a wide range of natural areas field sites and collaborative research programs across campus. The Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences provides an interdisciplinary setting and the postdoctoral associate will also benefit from the broader intellectual community at UF including collaborative opportunities in entomology genomics ecology and applied agricultural and environmental research. The University and College count among its greatest strengths a community of facultystudents and staff who support a culture of respect and dignity where learning and research thrive.
Expected Salary:	The anticipated starting salary is $58656 annually consistent with the current University of Florida minimum for postdoctoral associates. A higher starting salary may be considered in limited cases based on qualifications and available funding. The position includes eligibility for University of Florida employee benefits in accordance with university policies.
Required Qualifications:	Ph.D. in biological sciences (e.g. entomology molecular biology evolutionary biology ecology or a closely related field) by the start date
Preferred:	Highly motivated applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Candidates do not need to match every preferred qualification to be considered and experience that complements the goals of the project will be valued. 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
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Applicants should submit the following materials: A cover letter describing research experience interest in the position and relevant technical expertise A curriculum vitae A statement of research interests (optional if addressed fully in the cover letter) Contact information for two to three professional references All application materials should be submitted through the University of Florida online application portal. Review of applications will begin on April 6 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed to: Dr. Elizabeth Cash Additional information about Dr. Cashs research program is available at:
Health Assessment Required:	No

Required Experience:

Classification Title:Postdoctoral Associate in RNAi-Based Insect Pest ManagementClassification Minimum Requirements:Ph.D. in biological sciences (e.g. entomology molecular biology evolutionary biology ecology or a closely related field) by the start dateJob Description:A postdoctoral associate posit...

Classification Title:	Postdoctoral Associate in RNAi-Based Insect Pest Management
Classification Minimum Requirements:	Ph.D. in biological sciences (e.g. entomology molecular biology evolutionary biology ecology or a closely related field) by the start date
Job Description:	A postdoctoral associate position is available in the lab of Dr. Elizabeth Cash at the University of Florida for a researcher interested in insect molecular biology genomics chemical ecology and applied pest management. The postdoctoral associate will contribute to a CAMTech-funded project focused on developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based control strategies for pest and invasive ants and cockroaches. The research will involve identifying and prioritizing RNAi target genes designing and synthesizing dsRNA constructs evaluating oral delivery formulations measuring effects on survival and behavior and validating gene knockdown using RT-qPCR. Based in the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences this position also offers opportunities for collaboration across the University of Florida including strong connections with Entomology and Nematology. The successful applicant will help investigate how RNAi can be developed as a more targeted and environmentally sustainable alternative to broad-spectrum insecticides for the management of invasive and pest insects. Current focal systems include Argentine ants carpenter ants leaf-cutter ants and German cockroaches with two focal species to be prioritized based on project needs and industry guidance. The postdoctoral associate will play a central role in shaping experiments data analysis and related reports and manuscripts and the position is especially well suited for a candidate who enjoys integrating bioinformatic and laboratory approaches and is interested in building a research profile in insect genomics functional genetics or sustainable pest management. This is a full-time (FTE 1.0) time-limited postdoctoral appointment. Initial funding is currently available for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second year based on satisfactory progress and funding availability. Longer continuation may be possible if additional funding becomes available. The successful candidate may begin as soon as feasible following completion of the hiring process. The latest possible start date is July 1 2026. Responsibilities 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 The University of Florida is a leading public research university and a member of the State University System of Florida. Gainesville offers a strong scientific community an affordable cost of living compared with many major research hubs and access to a wide range of natural areas field sites and collaborative research programs across campus. The Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences provides an interdisciplinary setting and the postdoctoral associate will also benefit from the broader intellectual community at UF including collaborative opportunities in entomology genomics ecology and applied agricultural and environmental research. The University and College count among its greatest strengths a community of facultystudents and staff who support a culture of respect and dignity where learning and research thrive.
Expected Salary:	The anticipated starting salary is $58656 annually consistent with the current University of Florida minimum for postdoctoral associates. A higher starting salary may be considered in limited cases based on qualifications and available funding. The position includes eligibility for University of Florida employee benefits in accordance with university policies.
Required Qualifications:	Ph.D. in biological sciences (e.g. entomology molecular biology evolutionary biology ecology or a closely related field) by the start date
Preferred:	Highly motivated applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Candidates do not need to match every preferred qualification to be considered and experience that complements the goals of the project will be valued. 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
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Applicants should submit the following materials: A cover letter describing research experience interest in the position and relevant technical expertise A curriculum vitae A statement of research interests (optional if addressed fully in the cover letter) Contact information for two to three professional references All application materials should be submitted through the University of Florida online application portal. Review of applications will begin on April 6 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed to: Dr. Elizabeth Cash Additional information about Dr. Cashs research program is available at:
Health Assessment Required:	No