Postdoctoral Associate - Statistical Genetics & Data Analytics

This is a postdoctoral associate position (100% Research) available in the Statistical and Data Analytics Consulting Unit, University of Florida - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. Duties will include supporting plant breeding programs at the University of Florida and the USDA-ARS funded Breeding Insight program by identifying and implementing solutions related to experimental design, statistical analysis, data management, and analytical software tools. The position will also include delivering training and supporting students, staff, and faculty.

Responsibilities of the position include:

• Implementing and running data analysis from plant breeding programs. Ensuring compliance with data security standards and compatibility with R-based and/or Python analysis tools and Shiny apps to maintain open-source and availability to the public. [Approximately 40% effort]
• Assisting and maintaining data collection evaluation, curation, storage and analysis methods to improve data security, accuracy, operation, efficiency and summary report generation. [Approximately 20% effort]
• Developing and maintaining procedures, handouts for practical data analysis and apps and be responsible for training PIs, technicians, and students on use breeding software and analytical tools. [Approximately 20% effort]
• Preparing manuscripts for publication and presentation development to scientific community and other stakeholders. [Approximately 10% effort]
• Other duties as assigned. [Approximately 10% effort]

Background Information:

The UF/IFAS Statistical and Data Analytics Consulting Unit (SDACU) provides statistical consulting, data management support, advanced analytical methods, and training services to enhance research and extension programs across UF/IFAS. The unit collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to improve experimental design, data quality, statistical modeling, visualization, and decision-support tools, helping researchers translate complex agricultural, environmental, and biological data into actionable insights. In partnership with breeding and research programs, the unit develops and supports open-source analytical workflows, software applications, and educational resources that strengthen data-driven discovery and innovation., * Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above

• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts

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 and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities. HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIRED: No

A doctoral degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in plant breeding/genetics, genomics, applied statistics, or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and proficiency in programming using either R and/or Python. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values., At least two years of experience with modeling applied to agriculture, natural resources and genomics and/or phenomics applications is preferred. Experience developing and delivering statistical workshops and training sessions is desirable. Experience consulting on experimental design and/or statistical data analysis is preferred.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

UF/IFAS is home to one of the nation’s premier public plant breeding programs that is, developing improved fruit, vegetable, ornamental, field crop, and specialty crop varieties that enhance productivity, sustainability, pest and disease resistance, and consumer value. Breeding Insight is a national initiative that supports public plant breeding programs by providing shared tools, workflows, training, and data management solutions to accelerate crop improvement and increase the efficiency of breeding operations. At UF, Breeding Insight collaborates with plant breeders, statisticians, and data scientists to implement modern breeding analytics, genomic tools, and decision-support systems that enhance data-driven cultivar development and research outcomes.

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.