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. 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 non-tenure-accruing position that will be 100% research (Blueberry Breeding Program), available in the Horticultural Sciences Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the Blueberry Breeding Program. 

The faculty member will serve as the Phenomics and Digital Breeding Team Leader. Duties will include working closely with the Blueberry Breeding Program’s Director to integrate advanced technologies and data-driven approaches to accelerate the development of superior cultivars at the University of Florida. Additionally, the faculty member will work on elaborating research lines, managing projects, securing collaboration and funds, and actively supporting the implementation of robotics and computer vision-based systems for high-throughput phenotyping, multi-domain data integration, target environment prediction, and other key areas to support Florida’s agriculture sector. The research outcome is both for research and operation, and the faculty member will be responsible for reporting progress, outputs, and impacts to interested stakeholders.

Background Information:

The Horticultural Sciences Department is a unit within IFAS at the University of Florida and has a variety of teaching, research, and extension education programs with 34 faculty in Gainesville and 26 faculty at various Research and Education Centers throughout the state. The Horticultural Sciences Department is currently ranked top 9 in the center for world university rankings.

The Blueberry Breeding Program, is part of the Horticultural Science Department and is directed and led by Dr. Patricio Munoz, an associate professor with over 18 years of expertise in plant breeding. The program aims to develop new blueberry cultivars and advance research methodologies to expedite the cultivar development process.

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 (foreign equivalent acceptable) in plant breeding, agricultural engineering, computer science or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates must also have hands-on experience in areas involving plant breeding technologies, field trials, high-throughput phenotyping, computer vision, and data-driven machine learning/AI approaches. Also, faculty must have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, 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 experience or equivalent industry experience in plant breeding, phenomics, or digital agriculture, working with blueberry or any specialty crops.
• Experience integrating multi-domain datasets (phenomics, genomics, environomics) for decision-making or prediction.
• Experience with computer vision, UAVs, robotics, or automation in agricultural systems.
• Experience collaborating with industry partners and translating research into applied outcomes.
• Demonstrated project management and leadership experience, including building collaborations among a variety of interdisciplinary scientific teams.
• Grant writing and budgeting for scientific discovery.
• Multi-lingual to operate in an international context.
• Supervision skills for communications and administrative staff.

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

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 # 540016

Dr. Felipe Ferrao

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Horticultural Sciences Department

2560 Hull Road, bldg. 0906

Gainesville, FL 32611

Electronic Mail:                      lferrao@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
• 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.