The University of Florida Forest Entomology Lab is offering a postdoc position to study various aspects of the bark beetle-fungus symbiosis and its effect on trees.

The topic is open-ended

The applicant will decide, together with our team, the topic they will pursue. It should be related to the relationship between bark/ambrosia beetles and fungi, ideally using molecular biology or quantitative/statistical methods. Previous experience with molecular biology or statistical ecology experience would be a bonus.

Topics that we are seeking to develop include:

• DNA or RNA metabarcoding of fungal communities
• the transcriptome of the mycangium
• genome features in the beetles and/or the fungi related to the symbiosis
• fungus community analysis, network analysis or modeling
• physiology of trees under attack
• pest and disease diagnostic tools
• invasive beetle/fungus assessment
• forest pests in Asia
• policy and regulation of threats to forest health

Other topics are available, and we welcome the candidate’s personal research preferences.

Includes annual stipend of $50,000 and health insurance. The initial contract is for one year with high likelihood of extension to multiple years depending on productivity. The position is based at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, but can include cooperation with colleagues at other institutions. International applicants are welcome.

Application deadline: Until filled.

Start date: any time during 2021 or early 2022.

To apply

Send an email to hulcr@ufl.edu and include 1) Cover Letter, 2) your CV, and 3) a list of hobbies and interests. Specify which of the two positions you are interested in.

Interested in invasive species and international field work? Join our team in an exciting project:

Pre-invasion assessment of Asian wood borers by sentinel gardens

We are looking for a PhD STUDENT or a POSTDOC to manage existing sentinel gardens in China and to collect unique data on high-priority, potentially invasive wood boring insects. What is a sentinel garden? See the coverage of our project in Science: Scientists plant ‘sentinel trees’ to warn of devastating pests.

Our first round of results is very promising, see the video below:

The position is fully-funded, and includes annual stipend ($26,000 for a student, $50,000 for a postdoc), health insurance, research expenses, and visa assistance.

The PhD graduate assistant contract is for 4 years. Postdoc contract is for one year with high likelihood of extension to multiple years depending on productivity. The positions are based at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, but will include substantial field work in Asia, most likely China. Opportunities in cutting-edge research technology, conferences and collaborations are regularly available. International applicants are welcome.

Colleagues from China are welcome to apply for this position. We completely understand the difficulties with current visa policy and travel. If you are interested in working with us but are concerned about your ability to join an American institution, let’s get in touch to start the conversation.

The project will focus on one main research direction:

• Interactions between Asian wood borers and American trees in our network of sentinel gardens in China.

Additional topics that the applicant is welcome to develop include:

• Beetle or fungus molecular and traditional systematics or ecology.
• Host tree physiology and response under stress.
• Translation of invasion science to policy, collaboration with agencies.

Previous experience with beetle research is not necessary. Experience with invasion ecology, systematics, tree physiology or statistics is a bonus.

Application deadline

March 12, 2021.

Start date

Any time during 2021, the earlier the better.

To apply or to inquire, send an email to hulcr@ufl.edu and include 1) Cover Letter, 2) your CV, and 3) a list of your interests and hobbies.

The University of Florida Forest Entomology lab (J. Hulcr) and the UF Fungal Systematics Lab (M. Smith) are looking for a joint postdoctoral researcher.

The fully-funded postdoctoral associate position includes a $50,000 annual stipend, health insurance, research expenses, and visa assistance. The duration of the contract is one year with high likelihood of extension to multiple years depending on productivity.  Opportunities in cutting-edge research technology, conferences and collaborations are regularly available. International applicants are welcome.

The postdoctoral scholar is expected to focus on two research directions:

• Molecular and traditional systematics of ambrosia fungi
• Advanced imaging of mutualistic fungi within insects, such as FISH or similar methods

Additional topics that the applicant is welcome to develop include:

• DNA or RNA metabarcoding of fungal communities
• The transcriptome of the mycangium
• Convergent genome features in the beetles and/or the fungi related to the symbiosis

Previous experience with beetle research is not necessary, but modern molecular biology experience is a bonus.

Application deadline

February 20, 2021.

Start date

Any time during 2021, the earlier the better.

To apply or to inquire, send an email to hulcr@ufl.edu and include 1) Letter of interest, 2) your CV, and 3) a list of your interests and hobbies.

The Forest Entomology lab at UF SFRC is offering a fully-paid Masters degree focused on interesting and important forest insects.

The Black Turpentine Beetle is knocking down pines across the South East. Please help us carry out a test of tree chemicals that the beetle is attracted to!

It will be a mix of field work, lab work and analytical writing.

Start: as soon as possible, Fall 2020 at the latest
Fully paid salary of $24,000/year plus health insurance.
Tuition is covered.

If interested, please contact Jiri Hulcr at hulcr@ufl.edu as soon as possible, ideally before March 15. Please email:
1) your CV
2) a couple of sentences about your research interest,
3) description of hobbies and other creative activities, and
4) contact information of your recent supervisors.