*Position opening: Postdoctoral Research Associate *
We seek a Postdoctoral Research Associate for a project at the University of Florida that will provide excellent experience in working with an interdisciplinary team, and an opportunity to impact food security in Haiti. The project addresses crop disease management in Haiti, in collaboration with a team of scientists addressing components of Haitian agriculture. The Research Associate’s responsibilities will include evaluation of a new plantain disease, approaches for improving plant disease diagnostics and information systems, and Haitian systems for plant disease management more broadly. This is an opportunity to discover the etiology of an important disease and contribute to improvement of crop disease diagnostics and integrated pest management in Haiti, as an example for how to improve these systems throughout the region. The project will provide valuable experience in international development for agricultural programs, and will support improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers. The Research Associate will work with Dr. Karen Garrett in the Plant Pathology Department at University of Florida (www.garrettlab.com) as part of the new Institute for Sustainable Food Systems ( isfs.institute.ifas.ufl.edu/), and with a team of scientists working in a USAID-funded project addressing improvement of agriculture in Haiti ( global.ifas.ufl.edu/global-engagement/-sardarea-in-haiti/). The Research Associate is expected to contribute to an environment that fosters diversity and cooperation. Work will begin Fall 2017. The project will last at least 2.5 years, dependent on acceptable performance and continued funding. Screening of applicants will begin October 18 and continue until the successful applicant is identified. Salary will be commensurate with experience, with a competitive benefits package. *Required: * 1. A recent Ph.D. degree in plant pathology, entomology, ecology, horticulture or related field; 2. Demonstrated publication record, quality of work, and ability to design and conduct independent experiments with a strong commitment to achieving goals; 3. Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to work in a team-based, multicultural, collaborative environment; 4. Authorization to work in the United States for any employer; 5. Demonstrated ability to work in challenging field environments. *Preferred: * Research and familiarity with plant disease systems in the lab and field is desirable, but candidates with research experience in other biological systems and a desire to apply that knowledge are encouraged to apply; Fluency in French and/or Haitian Creole would be very useful, but not necessary; Experience working in Haiti is desirable, but experience in similar agricultural systems is also useful; R programming experience is desirable, but other programming language experience is also useful. To apply, please submit (1) Cover letter explaining research interests and experience, qualifications for the job, and timing of availability, (2) Curriculum Vitae, and (3) Three references, including: names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. Please upload your application materials at this website: http://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/cw/en-us/job/504835/postdoctoral-research-associate The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. 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). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law. Chris Buddenhagen [email protected]
