Assistant or Associate Professor of Urban Landscape Entomology

Assistant or Associate Professor of Urban Landscape Entomology – Florida Pest Management Association Endowed

• Job No.: 539669
• Work Type.:
  Full Time
• Location.:
  Orange
• Categories.:
  Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
• Department.:  - AG-MREC-APOPKA

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. This 12‑month tenure‑accruing position is 60% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 40% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) located at the Mid‑Florida Research and Education Center (MREC), UF. The assignment may change, but tenure will accrue in the Entomology and Nematology Department. The incumbent will have access to funds from the Florida Pest Management Association Professorship endowment to support Extension and research programs.

The successful candidate will develop a nationally and internationally recognized, extramurally funded research and Extension program in urban landscape entomology, emphasizing turfgrass and ornamental landscapes. Research themes will address insect pest biology, ecology, and integrated management strategies tailored to Florida systems across urban and suburban landscapes, including residential, commercial, athletic fields, sod production, and golf courses. Collaboration with colleagues across Florida, the southern region, and internationally is expected.

The program will emphasize sustainable pest management approaches that reduce reliance on pesticide inputs, improve plant health, and enhance environmental quality in urban landscapes. Efforts will also address pest dynamics associated with urbanization and changing environmental conditions.

This position addresses a critical statewide need driven by rapid population growth and urban expansion. It will support Florida’s turfgrass, ornamental plant, and pest management industries by providing science‑based solutions that enhance economic sustainability, environmental stewardship, and quality of life.

The incumbent will develop a comprehensive Extension program providing statewide leadership in urban landscape entomology through UF/IFAS Extension. Extension programming must align with stakeholder needs, including development and delivery of educational programs, workshops, and decision‑support tools for sod producers, pest management professionals, landscape managers, arborists, golf course superintendents, county faculty, and the general public. The faculty member will contribute to relevant UF/IFAS Initiative Teams focused on agriculture, horticulture, and sustainable urban systems.

The faculty member is expected to publish research and Extension results in national and international refereed and non‑refereed journals, present results at professional meetings, and collaborate with interdisciplinary faculty and industry partners to address emerging pest management challenges. The candidate will participate actively in graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, and publishing results with students.

Engagement in professional service and in national and international professional societies is expected.

Required Qualifications:

• A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Entomology, Biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, developing interpersonal relationships, publication in peer‑reviewed journals, and procurement of extramural funding.
• Support for the mission of the Land‑Grant system and commitment to UF core values.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral experience.
• A strong record of publishing in refereed journals and demonstrated expertise in insect ecology and pest management.

For full consideration, candidates should submit materials by June 15, 2026. Applications may be reviewed as received. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed…