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:
Full Time

Location:

Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories:
Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

Department:  - AG-HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES

Position is a 12‑month tenure‑accruing role with a 70% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 30% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) appointment. The appointment will focus on advancing biochemical and genomic tools to understand and improve flavor and texture in specialty crops, with an emphasis on tomato. The role is available in the Horticultural Sciences Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville main campus.

• Research Duties: Conduct innovative research in biochemistry, metabolomics, metabolic engineering, and genomics for high‑value fruit and vegetable crops; develop and apply tools such as chemistry/molecular biology/genomics/metabolomics/quantitative genetics to investigate flavor genetics and biochemistry; focus on flavor profiles of specialty crops and improve flavor in modern cultivars. Collaborate closely with the UF tomato breeding program and other UF research community members; secure extramural funding;
  
  publish in peer‑reviewed journals; participate in graduate education.
• Teaching Duties: 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 undergraduate research; publish results with graduate students.
• Service: Engage in Extension activities; support research, teaching, and extension missions of IFAS; support and participate in CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education.

• A doctorate in plant breeding, biochemistry, genetics and 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 organization.
• Ability to obtain extramural funding.
• Support for the Land‑Grant mission and commitment to UF core values.

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

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

Applicants must submit: cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three referees, unofficial transcripts.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.