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 at the West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. Duties will include development of a productive, interdisciplinary, extramurally funded research program with emphasis on turfgrass science, culture and management systems.

Research emphasis will build on WFREC’s established turfgrass science program to improve turfgrass performance, conserve resources, and protect environmental quality. Areas could include optimizing water and nutrient use; understanding responses to drought, shade, temperature, and other environmental stresses; evaluating compost, biochar, and other amendments; quantifying nutrient availability, cycling, and transport; and developing site-specific management recommendations. Opportunities also include autonomous mowing, sensor-based management, and other technologies that improve efficiency and reduce inputs. Research should address golf courses, athletic fields, sod production, and urban landscapes while supporting science-based best management practices (BMPs). The successful candidate must collaborate with WFREC faculty, the statewide interdisciplinary turfgrass team, county Extension faculty, and industry partners.

Extension responsibilities include leading a coordinated program that translates research into practical turfgrass management decisions for golf course superintendents, sod producers, lawn care and landscape professionals, athletic field managers, industry representatives, county Extension faculty, and homeowners. Educational priorities include irrigation efficiency, drought management, nutrient management planning, soil health and amendments, BMP implementation, and emerging technologies. Programs will use field days, demonstrations, workshops, in-service training, online courses, publications, and digital tools to strengthen knowledge and encourage practice adoption. The incumbent will evaluate and document program outcomes related to resource use efficiency, turfgrass performance, and environmental stewardship.

The position will be located at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC), in Jay, Florida. Tenure will accrue in the Agronomy Department. The faculty member will participate in graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, mentoring students, and publishing research findings with them. The incumbent will also provide undergraduate research and experiential learning opportunities. 

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 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.

WFREC faculty and staff are dedicated to interdisciplinary research, extension and teaching programs that meet the needs of local clientele with statewide, nationwide as well as global impacts. The location of WFREC allows families to enjoy the advantages of rural living while being within minutes of Pensacola, one of Florida's major cities, Gulf of America beaches; and extensive public forest lands. 

Commensurate with Education and Experience

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in turfgrass science, environmental horticulture, crop science, soil and water science, agronomy, or a closely related field is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, procurement of extramural funding, and strong record of teaching at the collegiate level. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.  Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Postdoctoral experience is desirable. 

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit additional materials by January 1, 2027. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions

This position is available February 1, 2027, 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 # 542003

Dr. Hardeep Singh

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

West Florida Research and Education Center

4253 Experiment Drive

Jay, FL 32565

Telephone:                               405-762-2539

Electronic Mail:                      hardeep.singh1@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 3 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.