Assistant Professor of Specialty Crop and Ornamental Plant Breeding

Assistant Professor of Specialty Crop and Ornamental Plant Breeding

Job No: 536523

Work Type:
Full Time

Location:

Orange

Ast Prof

Candidates for this rank shall hold the highest degree appropriate to their field and demonstrate successful experience pertinent to the position they are being recommended. They must also show qualities relevant to the goals of the academic unit in which they will be employed.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences welcomes applicants who can contribute to our environment through scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. 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 80% Research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 20% Extension (UF/IFAS), located at the Mid‑Florida Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. Tenure will accrue in the Department of Horticultural Sciences.

The successful candidate will develop an extramurally funded, nationally‑recognized research and extension program emphasizing breeding of specialty and ornamental crops. The program will use traditional and advanced methods to improve quality traits, abiotic and biotic stress (disease/insect) resistance, and aesthetic quality through precision breeding and other genetic techniques. The focus will be on crops grown in greenhouse or other protected culture settings;

the incumbent may also work on fruit crops as appropriate.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing and leading a research program in specialty and ornamental crop breeding.
• Securing extramural funding to support the breeding program and graduate students.
• Collaborating with horticulturists, entomologists, plant pathologists, geneticists, and plant breeders to create desirable end‑products.
• Publishing research and extension results in national and international refereed and non‑refereed journals.
• Participating in UF/IFAS Extension programming and creating outreach materials for Florida stakeholders.
• Actively engaging in graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, and publishing with students.
• Participating in national and international professional societies and supporting the IFAS land‑grant mission of research, teaching, and extension.

The UF/IFAS Mid‑Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) in Apopka, Florida serves a large ornamental, nursery, and agricultural industry. The Horticultural Sciences Department focuses on plant physiology, molecular biology, crop production, postharvest biology, organic and sustainable horticulture, and weed science. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities and operates multiple research education centers across Florida.

Commensurate with education and experience.

• Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Genetics, Plant Breeding, Plant Biology, Horticultural Science or a closely related field.

• Knowledge of molecular and traditional plant breeding techniques and new cultivar development.

• Strong record of publishing in refereed journals.

• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding.

• Support for the mission of the land‑grant system and commitment to UF core values.

Postdoctoral experience is desirable.

Nominations are welcome. Nominees should include the complete name and address. Contact information:

Dr. Jianjun Chen
Chair, Search and Screen Committee
University of Florida
Mid‑Florida REC
2725 Binion Rd., Apopka, FL 32703‑8504
Phone: (407) 884‑2034
Fax: (407) 814‑6186
Email: jjchen

• Cover letter stating interest and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for 3 references willing to provide letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts

Official…