Postdoctoral Research Scholar - Food and Environmental Virology Laboratory

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: th