Research Assistant Scientist – Entomology

Res Ast Sctst

Highest degree possible in field; Evidence of pertinent experience for the position and qualities for the academic unit.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF . 

The University of Florida seeks a Research Assistant Scientist (12-month, non-tenure track faculty appointment) in the Entomology and Nematology Department to work closely with project investigators with insect science-related research and associated bioinformatics analyses.  This is a 12 month non-tenure accruing position that will be 100% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station). The Research Assistant Scientist is expected to play an integral role in current extramural awards, while collaborating with department investigators and affiliated faculty and staff to build a portfolio of independent and collaborative research. The position may include benchwork alongside the application of streamlined bioinformatic operations for retrieval of biologically relevant information from complex datasets. Datasets may include those related to insect transcriptomics, proteomics, predicted protein structures and phage display library screens.

This position is time-limited with initial funding for a 1-year appointment. Continued employment is possible with extramural funding secured individually or as part of collaborative research. The Research Assistant Scientist position will entail two primary responsibilities: 1) establishing and advancing their own portfolio of extramurally-funded research in collaboration with departmental faculty, staff and trainees, and 2) supporting existing extramurally funded grants and associated publications.

Background Information:

The Entomology & Nematology Department has 73 faculty with locations in Gainesville FL and around the state at Research and Education Centers. Our undergraduate and graduate entomology programs are both among the largest in the country with a variety of subject areas.  Non-thesis distance M.S. and on-line certificate programs are also an important component of our teaching efforts. Course offerings attract students in a variety of majors from across colleges within the university.

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.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.  

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Entomology or a closely related discipline 
• Evidence of collaborative research
• Strong publication record
• Demonstrated experience in computational biology and statistics, including protein structural analysis
• Demonstrated experience in insect molecular biology
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication
• Supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system
• A commitment to UF core values

• Postdoctoral experience
• Demonstrated ability to procure extramural research funding
• Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF by 11:55 PM (ET) of the posting end date and submit:

• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position, background, and qualifications relative to the duties, responsibilities and qualifications listed above (2-page limit)
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research activities and interests relative to the duties and responsibilities above (2-page limit)
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

Questions related to this appointment may be directed to:

Dr. Bryony C. Bonning

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida, IFAS

Entomology and Nematology Department

1881 Natural Area Drive

Gainesville, FL 32611-0620

Telephone:                               352-273-3984

Facsimile:                                352-392-0190

Electronic Mail:                      bbonning@ufl.edu

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