"Postdoctoral Associate - Crop Transformation Center"

Postdoctoral Associate - Crop Transformation Center

Job no: 536470
Work type: Post Doc Associate
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department: 60230000 - AG-HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES
Classification Title: Postdoc Aso

Classification Minimum Requirements:
The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Job Description:
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service.
This is a 12-month non-tenure-accruing position, available in the Horticultural Science Department and The University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences Crop Transformation Center (UF/IFAS CTC).
The Baysal Lab is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance research in citrus transformation and genome engineering. This position will focus on developing HLB-resistant citrus using a combination of Agrobacterium-mediated transgenesis, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, and virus-mediated delivery systems. The goal is to generate novel citrus lines capable of withstanding Huanglongbing (HLB) infection and reducing vector transmission through advanced biotechnological strategies.
The postdoctoral researcher will also manage day-to-day laboratory operations and apply moderately complex plant molecular biology techniques to transform and analyze citrus genomes, process biological samples, and support ongoing scientific experiments. This position plays a key role in the overall functioning of the lab, contributing to experimental design, genome engineering, data analysis, and plant biotechnology innovation.
The Horticultural Sciences Department is a unit within IFAS at the University of Florida and has diverse 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 Center for Crop Transformation, founded in 2023, addresses the need for rapid development and commercialization of genetically improved crops. The CTC is directed and led by Dr. Charlie Messina, a professor of predictive breeding specializing in symbiotic AI with over 16 years in the private sector. The center aims to accelerate genetic gain in specialty crops, ultimately improving human and environmental health. Their primary focus is creating citrus varieties that can tolerate or eventually resist citrus greening disease (HLB). The CTC harnesses core capabilities to activate an end-to-end approach to translate these novel ideas into products for Florida farmers and consumers.
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.

Expected Salary: Commensurate with Education and Experience

Required Qualifications:
A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in agricultural sciences, plant molecular biology or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Preferred:
• Strong expertise in plant transformation and genome editing (preferably citrus or other woody perennials).
• Prior experience in laboratory research, particularly in construct design and tissue culture.
• Knowledge of plant immunity, host-pathogen-vector interactions, or synthetic biology.
• Proficiency in data collection, entry, and management, with experience working with large datasets.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also taking initiative in individual tasks.
• Special Instructions to Applicants:
• Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• One-page cover letter describing your qualifications and interest
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information, including email addresses, for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts
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 Employment Opportunity Employer.
Health Assessment Required: No
Advertised: 15 Jul 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 30 Jul 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
If interested, please apply: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/536470/postdoctoral-associate-crop-transformation-center