Assistant/Associate Professor (Plant Breeder)

Job Description

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. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit.

• Focus on improving lettuce cultivars of cos (romaine) and crisphead (iceberg) types for Florida production.
• Provide lettuce breeding lines and cultivars adapted to different environmental conditions throughout the state, with an emphasis on the Florida Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) where 90% of lettuce is cultivated.
• 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).

Background Information

The Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC) is an 800-acre facility located in Belle Glade within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), near the southern edge of Lake Okeechobee in western Palm Beach County. Belle Glade is located west of the metropolitan West Palm Beach area in Palm Beach County; a region with 1 million population, an excellent subtropical climate, exceptional beaches and aquatic sports options, and the cultural advantages of a medium-sized city. The EAA is a dynamic, agriculturally diverse region with major production of sugarcane, rice, commercial sod, and winter vegetables (sweet corn, leafy and leafy green vegetables, green beans, celery, and radish).

Required Qualifications

• A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Plant breeding, Horticulture or a closely related discipline is required.
• Postdoctoral experience is required.
• The applicant must have 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, are essential.
• Candidates should 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.

Preferred

• Experience in leafy vegetable breeding programs is highly desirable but not required.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by August 18, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined. 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 # 540388 Dr. Calvin Odero Chair, Search and Screen Committee University of Florida Everglades Research and Education Center 3200 E Palm Beach Road Belle Glade, FL 33430 Phone: (561) 993-1500 Fax: (561) 993-1582 Electronic Mail: dcodero@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

The 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.