Res Ast Sctst

Highest degree possible in field; Evidence of pertinent experience for the position and qualities for the academic unit.

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 . 

Duties and Responsibilities

This non-tenure track faculty position will focus on strawberry breeding and genetics. This 12-month position will be 100% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) stationed at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida (UF). The successful candidate will work within the UF Strawberry Breeding Program to conduct genetics research and translate discoveries into technologies and methods for improving the breeding process. This will include discovery of genetic loci controlling important traits through methods such as QTL mapping and GWAS. This will also include an emphasis on integrating digital phenotyping methods into the breeding program. These methods will require statistical expertise and high level skills in data management and analysis. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to mentor students in collaboration with the director of the breeding program and to procure grant funding to support their research program.

Background Information:

The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center has a variety of research, extension and teaching programs with 20 faculty members located at Balm (mailing address Wimauma – 35 minutes drive from downtown Tampa) and the Plant City teaching program, with specialization in agricultural education and communications, economics, geomatics, horticulture, pest management, plant breeding, and resource management. GCREC is a modern research and education facility that includes offices and laboratories, 15 greenhouses, approximately 500 acres of field operations, and housing for up to 16 resident graduate students.

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

A doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in plant sciences with specialization in breeding, genetics or a related discipline. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication and the ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system of research, teaching and extension. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. Candidates must be able to work on transdisciplinary team projects and with a variety of audiences and clientele.

Work experience in genetics research in the context of plant breeding programs, in particular fruit breeding, polyploid species and digital phenotyping methods.

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

Employment Conditions

This position will be filled as soon as a qualified applicant is available. Compensation will be commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Nominations

Nominations are welcome.  Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee. This information should be sent to:

Please refer to Requisition # 536117

Dr. Sriyanka Lahiri

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

14625 CR 672

Wimauma, FL 33598

Telephone:                              (813) 419-6670

Electronic Mail:                      lahiris@ufl.edu

Application Information

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

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.