Postdoctoral Associate – Molecular Genetics

Classification Title:

Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description:

A Postdoctoral Associate position is available in the Laboratory of Neurogenetics & Neuroscience in the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida, focused on genetic determinants of brain health and disease. The research is funded and directed by Professor Matt Farrer in the Department of Neurology. Over the past 20 years, our team has helped define the genetic etiology of neurodegeneration using a combination of population and pedigree-based molecular genetics (high-throughput sequencing, genotyping and Sanger sequencing), bioinformatics (vcf tools, galaxy, python, perl, java) and applied statistics (R archive, Plink, Beagle, linkage software). Dr. Farrer is best known for his contributions to Parkinson’s disease. The discoveries and insights gained have improved diagnosis and have led to insightful models to advance novel therapeutics into clinical trials.

The successful applicant would join a team studying the major molecular genetic determinants of neurologic disease and several projects are available (depending upon the aptitude and skill set of the applicant). Prior experience of molecular biology at the bench as applied to high-throughput sequencing would be advantageous. The appointment represents a superb training opportunity to learn/apply a variety of molecular genetic, bioinformatic and statistical techniques for new Fellows or for Senior Fellows looking to make the transition to independent Faculty appointment. 

The Laboratory of Neurogenetics & Neuroscience is located in a dynamic neuroscience research atmosphere, including the Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, the Biomedical Science Center, the McKnight Brain Institute and the Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases. The laboratories are modern and well-equipped, and the successful applicant will join a dedicated, experienced and highly motivated teams of neurogeneticists and neurobiologists. Our joint ambition is to slow and/or prevent this progressive neurological disorder, and through a precise understanding of its molecular etiology. The work is fast-paced and exciting, at the cutting edge of molecular insights into neurologic disease.

The University of Florida is a top-tier research university with $900 million of annual research funding. The latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report recognizes UF among the nation's top five public universities. UF Health is the Southeast’s most comprehensive academic health center, unique for our diverse constellation of health colleges, centers and institutes, and our hospitals, faculty practices and patient care programs.

Gainesville is a vibrant city in Alachua County and serves as the cultural, educational and commercial center for the North Central Florida region. The city is known for its nature parks, sporting events, museums, mild winters and warm summers. Being centrally located makes Gainesville easily situated for day trips to beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and to theme parks including Disney World, and other cities including Orlando and Tampa. 

Expected Salary:

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Minimum Requirements:

A recent Ph.D., M.D. or M.D./Ph.D., and experience in a field directly relevant to human genetics, molecular and/or population genetics.

Applicants should have excellent oral and written communication skills, and experience in the collection and analysis of data. 

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

• Prior experience of molecular biology at the bench as applied to high-throughput sequencing would be advantageous.
• Strong record of productivity from previous training.
• High level of independence in the design and execution of experiments.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

The position is initially available for one year with the possibility of annual extensions.

Applications should include a CV, cover letter of intent, and a list of 3 references with contact information. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until positions are filled. Questions may be directed to Professor Matt Farrer at m.farrer@ufl.edu; however, applications must be submitted online.

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

Final candidate will be required to provide 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), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. We are committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law. If an accommodation due to disability is needed in order to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

This position was originally posted under requisition #57494. All previous applicants do not need to reapply.

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Health Assessment Required: Yes