Postdoctoral Associate - Crop Transformation Center (CTC)

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. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call Show phone number or the Florida Relay System at Show phone number (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

This is Postdoctoral Associate position available in the Baysal Lab within the Horticultural Sciences Department and the Crop Transformation Center (UF/IFAS CTC).

The Baysal Lab seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Associate to advance plant transformation and genome engineering. The position focuses on developing virus-mediated delivery systems, with the goal of achieving tissue-culture-free, transgene-free, heritable edits in planta. The successful candidate will design and execute experiments in citrus and other crop species, using viral vectors. The position also includes coordinating day-to-day lab operations and contributing to experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Background Information:

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.

The Horticultural Sciences Departmentis 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.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Experience and Education

Required Qualifications:

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in plant molecular biology, plant biotechnology, biochemistry or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Preferred:

• Experience with molecular cloning and vector construction.
• Proficiency in standard molecular analyses: PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, Sanger and amplicon sequencing, and analysis of editing outcomes.
• Track record of first-author peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong written and oral communication in English, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience with plant RNA or DNA virus vectors, VIGS, or virus-induced gene editing.
• Experience with CRISPR-Cas reagent design and delivery in plants.
• Familiarity with NGS data analysis and command-line bioinformatics (e.g., CRISPResso, Python or R).
• Experience mentoring students or technicians and coordinating lab operations.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Employment Conditions

This position is available November 2026 and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available.  Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Application Information

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF by 11:55 PM of the closing date and submit:
• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• 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 and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Health Assessment Required:No