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

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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 at the University of Florida, Gainesville main campus.

Advances in biochemistry, metabolomics, metabolic engineering, and genomics for high‑value fruit and vegetable crops are opening new and valuable research opportunities for flavor genomics applied to plant breeding. The position will conduct innovative research exploring tools—chemistry, molecular biology, genomics, metabolomics, and quantitative genetics—to better understand the genetics and biochemistry of fruit and vegetable flavor, as well as texture in specialty crops.

While open to all crop types, the candidate is expected to focus on flavor profiles of specialty crops, utilizing resources on tomato flavor biochemistry, genomics, and genetics, and seeking to improve flavor in modern cultivars. The appointee will collaborate closely with the UF tomato breeding program and other members of the department and the wider UF research community, secure extramural funding, publish in peer‑reviewed journals, and participate in the graduate education program.

Teaching duties include undergraduate and/or graduate courses related to genetics, biochemistry, and breeding. The appointed faculty will contribute effort in teaching PCB 5065 Advanced Genetics, chair and serve on graduate committees, supervise thesis and dissertation research, oversee undergraduate research, and publish results with students.

A doctorate in plant breeding, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, or a related discipline is required, together with a strong interest in the genetics and biochemistry of fruit and vegetable flavor. Candidates should demonstrate verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work cooperatively across disciplinary boundaries, team leadership and organization, and the potential to obtain extramural funding. Candidates must support the mission of the Land‑Grant system and UF core values.

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

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. and is subject to all Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.