Postdoctoral Research Scholar – Microbial Risk Assessment

Job no:535541
Work type:Post Doc Associate
Location:Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories:Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department:60150000 – AG-FOOD SCIENCE / HUMAN NUTR

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. 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 .

Montazeri’s Food and Environmental Virology Laboratory, located in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at the University of Florida, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to contribute to a USDA-funded project aimed at reducing the burden of infectious diseases caused by foodborne viruses. This interdisciplinary project integrates food engineering, food virology, and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Current research is focused on evaluating the thermal inactivation of human norovirus and its surrogates in oysters using various cooking techniques. The selected candidate, co-supervised by Dr. Naim Montazeri of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department and Dr. Arie Havelaar of the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, will play a pivotal role in translating the laboratory-derived thermal inactivation data into a comprehensive QMRA framework.

The position is based in the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department. While the role involves minimal to no benchtop research, it is an on-site assignment and requires strong expertise in statistics, data analysis, and coding. The work schedule aligns with the university’s normal operating hours—Monday through Friday. Travel is limited and primarily related to conference attendance and presentations.

Key Responsibilities 

• Research Development (50%): Develop and apply advanced statistical modeling and coding skills (primarily in R) to build a QMRA framework using data from both the scientific literature and those collected from the experimental research. Analyze and interpret data and prepare technical reports.
• Dissemination of Findings (20%): Lead the preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts, non-technical summaries, and the presentation of results at scientific and stakeholder meetings.
• Project Expansion (20%): Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to broaden the scope and impact of the research.
• Mentorship (8%): Supervise and support graduate or undergraduate researchers, including assistance with data analysis, troubleshooting, and scientific writing.
• Teaching Contribution (2%): Deliver 1–2 guest lectures per year in food microbiology or related food science courses, as needed.

Note: Responsibilities may evolve based on project needs.

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.

Expected Salary:Commensurate with Education and Experience

Required Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in biostatistics and/or data science.
• Practical experience in modeling biological systems.
• Proficiency in software coding.
• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of risk analysis, particularly within the context of QMRA.
• Strong proficiency in R/RStudio (modeling, simulation, inferential statistics, etc.).
• Familiarity with Bayesian statistics.
• Foundational knowledge of general microbiology.
• Experience in technical writing (manuscripts, reports, and proposals).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong systems thinking and communication skills.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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 stating the applicant’s motivation for the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Non-official academic transcripts (Master’s and Ph.D. degrees).
  • Contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses, and affiliations for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation.

For nominations and inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Naim Montazeri

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Food Science and Human Nutrition Department

572 Newell Dr, Rm 341

Gainesville, FL 32611

Telephone:        352-294-2756

Email:               nmontazeri@ufl.edu

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 Employment Opportunity Employer. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

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.

Health Assessment Required: No

Advertised:15 Apr 2025  Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close:01 Jun 2025 Eastern Daylight Time