Assistant/Associate Professor - Postharvest Physiologist

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 30% Teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and 70% Research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station), available in the Horticultural Sciences Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida.

Responsibilities

• Develop an extramurally funded, nationally recognized research and teaching program in postharvest biology and biochemistry.
• Engage in scholarly activities related to instruction in the teaching program, including:
  • Co-teaching a joint undergraduate/graduate course,
  • Developing a new graduate-level course in postharvest instrumentation,
  • Contributing to a team-taught plant biochemistry course,
  • Guest lecturing in related courses.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and visiting scientists/scholars.
• Support and participate in the UF CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education.
• Contribute to Extension activities in their program area, collaborating with county Extension agents in relevant field days, in-service trainings, and authoring Extension (EDIS) publications.

Qualifications

• A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in horticultural science, plant physiology or a closely related discipline is required.
• A strong record of publishing in refereed journals.
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication.
• Interpersonal relationships.
• Procurement of extramural funding.
• A commitment to UF core values.
• A strong record of research in postharvest physiology and biochemistry is desirable.

Benefits

This position offers opportunities to explore the fundamental physiological and biochemical processes that regulate how fruits and vegetables from different production systems respond to their postharvest environment and treatments, influencing postharvest quality and shelf life. Research from preharvest practices through harvest and postharvest operations will study the physiological and metabolic processes related to the development, maturation, and senescence of horticultural crops. It will involve evaluating the quality of harvested plant products and developing technological solutions (including AI) to enhance postharvest quality maintenance throughout the supply chain.

Skills

Candidates should have a strong record of publishing in refereed journals, 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 and have a commitment to UF core values.

Pay

Commensurate with Experience and Education

Schedule

Available August 15, 2026