Ast/Aso Prof

Candidates for this rank shall hold the highest degree appropriate to their field. A candidate shall be expected to demonstrate successful experience pertinent to the position they are being recommended and have demonstrated qualities relevant to the goals of the academic unit in which they will be employed.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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 .

This is a 12-month tenure-accruing position that will be 60% Extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) and 40% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) available in the Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida based in Gainesville, FL. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. Tenure will accrue in the Entomology and Nematology Department. The incumbent is expected to have access to funds from the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA) Professorship endowment to support their Extension and research programs.

Expected Duties

The successful candidate will develop a well-rounded Extension program that addresses the needs of stakeholders regarding pests in and around structures and the built environment. Due to its geographic location, Florida is regularly challenged with emerging and invasive pest threats. As such, the Extension program is intended to be responsive and adaptive to an ever-changing urban and structural pest landscape. The program is expected to focus on developing Extension publications, seminars and other educational materials that focus on urban and structural pest identification and management to reduce economic losses and impacts of pestiferous species as per the needs of local, state, and national industries, business owners, and the general public. The candidate will actively develop innovative training programs geared towards a broad range of clientele that includes but is not limited to (i) professionals in the urban and structural pest management industry, (ii) IFAS county Extension staff and (iii) members of the general public who intend to seek employment in the pest management industry.

The successful candidate will also develop an internationally recognized and extramurally funded research program that addresses issues related to pests in and around structures and the built environment including but not limited to ant pests, stored product pests, wood destroying pests, cockroaches, bed bugs, and occasional home-invading pests. The faculty member will actively seek contract and grant funding to support their program.

This is a broad-based search. Entomologists that are strongly motivated to address important questions promoting sustainable and integrated management-based solutions for pests in and around structures and the built environment are encouraged to apply. Urban and structural pest management is a strength at UF with 8 entomology faculty working in this area. The incumbent will complement and synergize the strengths of these faculty programs through collaborations. Opportunities also exist for collaboration with a wide range of entomologists and scientists from other disciplines on the Gainesville campus, at UF Research and Education Centers, IFAS County extension, regulators for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, USDA Research Scientists, and the various pest management associations in Florida, nationally and internationally.

The successful candidate will participate actively in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis, dissertation and undergraduate research, and publishing research results with students. Faculty are encouraged to participate in professional development activities related to teaching and advising and may teach courses and seminars.

Because of the IFAS land-grant mission, all faculty are expected to be supportive of and engaged in all three mission areas—Research, Teaching and Extension—regardless of the assignment split specified in the position description.

Background Information:

The Entomology and Nematology Department has varied teaching, research, and Extension programs with 36 faculty members located on the main campus in Gainesville and 37 faculty members located at 11 Research and Education Centers throughout the state. The department’s educational program is the largest of it’s kind in the country and encompasses in-person and online degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate programs.

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 Experience and Education

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Entomology, Biology, or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships, publication in peer-reviewed journals, and procurement of extramural funding. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Postdoctoral or related professional experience is desirable. Knowledge of urban and structural pest management practices, household insect pest identification skills, and evidence of interactions with pest management industry are preferred. Basic knowledge of laws and regulations related to pesticides and the structural pest management industry is desirable.

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by June 15, 2026. Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions

This position is available August 16, 2026 and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is 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 # 539547

Dr. Ameya Gondhalekar

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida, IFAS

Entomology and Nematology Department

1881 Natural Area Drive

Gainesville, FL 32611-0620

Telephone:                               352-273-1530

Facsimile:                                352-392-5660

Electronic Mail:                      ameygon@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
• Statement describing Extension program development vision, goals, and plans for program evaluation
• Statement describing research interests and goals
• 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.