Assistant/Associate Professor (Plant Breeder)

About the role

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. This is a 12-month tenure-accruing position that will be 70% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 30% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service), available in the Everglades Research and Education Center Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida.

Responsibilities

• Improve lettuce cultivars of cos (romaine) and crisphead (iceberg) types for Florida production.
• Focus on improving other types of lettuce such as leaf, butterhead, niche, and other leafy vegetables.
• Provide lettuce breeding lines and cultivars adapted to different environmental conditions throughout the state, with an emphasis on the Florida Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA).
• Support the baby leaf industry on field production issues such as diseases affecting this industry.
• Evaluate the genetics of traits to develop lettuce cultivars adapted to Florida using multi-disciplinary research approaches in disease resistance, heat tolerance, nutrient use efficiency, weed management, postharvest technology, and alternative lettuce production systems such as protected structures.
• Interact with stakeholders, breeders in other states and federal agencies, and vegetable grower organizations (including Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association).

Requirements

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.

Qualifications

• A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Plant breeding, Horticulture or a closely related discipline is required.
• Postdoctoral experience is required.
• Experience with and a strong understanding of plant breeding with focus on cultivar development as well as molecular techniques used in crop improvement.
• Ability and self-motivation to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with research and extension faculty, and vegetable growers.
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding.
• A commitment to UF core values.

Skills

Strong skills in communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding are essential. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in these areas.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Schedule

N/A