Postdoctoral Associate OR Research Scientist (with BS/MSc) Positions to work on Pollination Biology (Entomology, Horticulture or Plant Sciences) at University of Florida, United States

 Postdoctoral Associate OR Research Scientist (with BS/MSc) Positions to work on Pollination Biology (Entomology, Horticulture or Plant Sciences) at University of Florida, United States

Postdoctoral Associate OR Research Scientist (with BS/MSc) position to work on pollination biology (entomology, horticulture or plant sciences) at University of Florida United States; in Dr. Rachel Mallinger’s lab at UF.

Description: The successful applicant will lead research for a grant-funded project exploring pollinator movement and behavior, pollen flow, pollination success, and yield parameters in blueberries under varying cultivar diversity and spatial arrangements. There is the potential for the successful applicant to incorporate additional research related to insect pest movement and herbivory or disease spread in this system, or to investigate pollination biology in other crop and non-crop habitats. The successful applicant will assume a supervisory role and will oversee and mentor undergraduates working on the project. The position may also involve collaboration and coordination with graduate students in the lab. Additional duties, and qualifications for, each level of the position can be found below:

Postdoctoral Associate Position: The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to the mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students, write peer-reviewed publications, and present research at both scientific meetings and to stakeholders. Postdoctoral associates will also be encouraged to pursue other research interests relevant to the lab’s broader research program including plant pollination biology, pollinator behavior, and pollinator community ecology.

Qualifications: 1) PhD in relevant field such as biology, ecology, entomology, horticulture or plant sciences, 2) Experience conducting field research projects, 3) Ability to drive for research (vehicle will be provided), work outdoors in occasionally extreme conditions, and be around stinging insects, and 4) Evidence of ability to publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred qualifications: 1) Research experience in pollination biology with crop or wild plants, 2) Proficiency in R for statistical computing and graphics, 3) Experience mentoring or supervising others, and 4) Research experience with managed honey and/or bumble bees; Salary: $50,000/year plus benefits including paid time off and health insurance.

Research Scientist Position: The research scientist will additionally perform duties related to lab and personnel management. Approximately 50% of their time will be spent on leading the above-described research project, and 50% of their time on managing the lab and assisting with other research projects. Lab managerial tasks include maintaining lab vehicles, ensuring the safety of the lab, purchasing items for the lab, coordinating field research across lab projects, and completing annual reports of project accomplishments.

Qualifications: 1) Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as biology, ecology, entomology, horticulture or plant sciences, 2) Ability to drive for research (vehicle will be provided), work outdoors in occasionally extreme conditions, and be around stinging insects, 3) Some experience conducting research with insects and plants, 4) Evidence of managerial success including managing people and projects, 5) Attention to detail and good communication skills

Preferred qualifications: 1) MSc in relevant field such as biology, ecology, entomology, horticulture or plant sciences, 2) Experience conducting field research, 3) Experience with managed honey bees and/or bumble bees, 4) Evidence of independent research including publishing in peer-reviewed journals or presenting at scientific conferences.  Salary: $20-24/hr depending on qualifications plus benefits including paid time off and health insurance.

Start date for both positions: Between May 1 – June 1, 2024. Duration for both positions: This is a fully-funded position for 2 years. The appointment will be offered for 1 year with renewal for up to 2 years pending satisfactory performance.

Location for both positions: This position is based on the main campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Gainesville is a lively college town close to world-class fishing, snorkeling, canoeing, tubing and kayaking. On land, you may enjoy birding, hiking, and biking. Gainesville is a culturally diverse, regional hub with ~140,000 people, and a strong arts and music scene. Its natural environment, temperate climate and civic amenities make Gainesville a beautiful, pleasant, and interesting place in which to learn and to live.

To apply for both positions (by March 15, 2024): Please send 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and qualifications, and please specify which level of the position you are applying for, 2) CV, and 3) list of three references with contact information as a single pdf file to Dr. Rachel Mallinger at rachel.mallinger@ufl.edu . Review of applicants will begin March 15, 2024, and the position will remain open until filled.

Selected candidates for the Postdoctoral Associate position will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. 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).

About the lab: The Pollinator Ecology and Conservation Lab at UF (Dr. Mallinger Lab) conducts research, teaching, and Extension on plant pollination and pollinator community ecology. We are committed to creating an environment that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression.

We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. 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 . Contact: Dr. Rachel Mallinger, rachel.mallinger@ufl.edu

We are committed to working for equality and inclusion in our lab and welcome lab members from all races, sexual orientations, cultures, and backgrounds. We stand against racism, bigotry, and all forms of hate, and actively work to combat inequality and injustice in our field. Dr. Mallinger advises graduate students in the Department of Entomology and Nematology and in the Interdisciplinary Ecology Program at UF. For more information on the lab, please visit www.rachelmallinger.com.