Postdoc Aso

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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 .

The University of Florida Agricultural & Biological Engineering Department seeks a full-time (1.0 FTE) Post-Doctoral Research Associate. The candidate will be working with an interdisciplinary (and inter-institutionally) team led by Dr. Bruce Welt. The position will require collaboration with other faculty, scientists, and engineers across the UF campus and other institutions in US on packaging sustainability strategies.

The postdoctoral research associate is expected to utilize real-world laboratory and pilot plant skills to support research, teaching, and outreach efforts of Dr. Welt’s program.

Job Description:

The position will be funded for up to one year with opportunity to renew based upon performance and funding. The position involves:

• Conduct experiments in laboratory and other sites.
• Operate process equipment in pilot plant setting and outdoors.
• Develop process models using programming and/or modeling software packages (e.g. Aspen, SolidWorks, Comsol, etc.).
• Work with and support graduate students.
• Draft reports, manuscripts, educational materials and proposals.

Expected salary:

$50,000 annually, commensurate with experience level.

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

• Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in engineering discipline (ChE, ME or BE preferred).
• Programming/modeling experience (Aspen, Comsol, Solidworks are preferred).
• Laboratory analytical experience (useful areas include GC, HPLC, ICP, FTIR).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.  Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship. 

Preferred skills

• Ability to design and work with machinists to fabricate equipment.
• Comfortable working with hand and power tools.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Experience writing manuscripts for publication and research proposals.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae

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 of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.