Post-Doctoral Associate – Blueberry Breeding and Genomics

The Institute of Food and Agricultural SciencesAccessibility at UF .

This is a 12-month non-tenure-accruing position available at the Blueberry Breeding and Genomics Lab (Dr. Patricio Munozs Lab) in the Horticultural Science Department Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida.

Southern highbush blueberry (SHB; Vaccinium corymbosum and hybrids) is the leading blueberry type grown in subtropical and mild-temperate production regions worldwide. The blueberry breeding cycle restricts the pace at which new cultivars are generated and released. The In vitro breeding team of the Blueberry Breeding and Genomics Lab is generating extensive cellular manipulation and tissue culture strategies that increase breeding efficiency and enhance the available diversity.

For this position we are seeking an experienced and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the In vitro breeding team to help in the experimental advancement in TC research for blueberry as well as ploidy manipulation and mutation breeding strategies the key activities will include:

• Designing and conducting multi-environment field screening trials to characterize novel mutant lines.
• Performing marker-trait association analyses using genome-wide SNP datasets to identify elucidate the mutation induction mechanism and trends in regions affected by the different strategies.
• Design metabolic profiling of tissue.
• Identify research opportunities related to tissue culture and cellular manipulation.
• Help develop haploid lines.
• Help screen somatic mutation accumulation during TC.
• Use analytical omics to increase understanding of regeneration differentiation competence and mutations.
• Preparing data reports presenting results at scientific meetings and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contributing to grant writing and supporting the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.
• Help mentor other team members and students.

As part of a post-doctoral experience we offer opportunities and will encourage participation and growth in research programming teaching grant writing extension and mentoring. Also relevant our laboratory is fully embraced with the Artificial Intelligence Initiative at the University of Florida with access to HiPerGator supercomputer all essential areas for the next step in your career. Following this model we have a 100% success rate in placement in the desired job after working in our lab mostly in industry positions.

Background Information

The Horticultural Sciences Departmentis a unit within IFAS at the University of Florida and has a variety of teaching research and extension education programs with 34 faculty in Gainesville and 26 faculty at various Research and Education Centers throughout the state. The Horticultural Sciences Department is currently ranked top 9 in the center for world university rankings.

The Blueberry Breeding and Genomics Labis a lab within the Horticultural Science Department. The lab is led by Dr. Patricio Munoz an associate professor with more than 17 years of experience in plant breeding. The lab goals are both blueberry cultivar development and research methods that help accelerating the cultivar development. The lab moved to a newly constructed building in October 2022 where state-of-the-art equipment and facilities are available.

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 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 and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events restaurants year-round outdoor recreational activities and social opportunities.