Assistant​/Associate Professor – Improvement of Flavor Profiles of Specialty Crops

Assistant/Associate Professor – Improvement of Flavor Profiles of Specialty Crops

Job No: 539811

Work type:
Tenure-Track Faculty

Location:

Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories:
Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

Department:  - AG-HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES

Classification

Title:

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.

This is a 12‑month tenure‑accruing position with a 70% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 30% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) appointment, available in the Horticultural Sciences Department. The assignment may change in accordance with IFAS needs.

• Conduct innovative research exploring tools such as chemistry, molecular biology, genomics, metabolomics, and quantitative genetics to better understand the genetics and biochemistry of fruit/vegetable flavor and texture in specialty crops.
• Focus on flavor profiles of specialty crops using resources on tomato flavor biochemistry, genomics, and genetics.
• Collaborate closely with the UF tomato breeding program and other members of the department and wider UF research community.
• Secure and manage extramural funding, publish results in peer‑reviewed journals, and participate in graduate education.

• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses related to genetics, biochemistry, and breeding.
• Contribute effort in teaching PCB 5065 Advanced Genetics.
• Chair and serve on graduate committees, supervise thesis and dissertation research, and supervise undergraduate research.
• Publish teaching‑related scholarship and support professional development activities.

• Engage in Extension activities related to the program area.
• Support and participate in CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education.

• Doctorate in plant breeding, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in genetics and biochemistry of fruit/vegetable flavor.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal relationships, teamwork, leadership, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to obtain extramural funding.
• Supportive of the Land-Grant mission and UF core values.

• Postdoctoral experience.
• Experience with flavor chemistry, molecular breeding, and specialty crops.
• Familiarity with tomato breeding or tomato genetics.

For full consideration, applicants should submit materials by June 15, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

This position is available starting January 2027 and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.

• Cover letter indicating interest, qualifications, and long‑term vision for the research program.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Official transcript.

Health Assessment

Required:

No

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.