Research Assistant Scientist - Phenomics and Digital Breeding Team Leader

Research Assistant Scientist - Phenomics and Digital Breeding Team Leader

Job No: 540016

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Department:  – AG-HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES

This 12‑month, 100% research position is for the Blueberry Breeding Program within the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida. The faculty member will serve as the Phenomics and Digital Breeding Team Leader and will work closely with the Program Director to integrate advanced technologies and data‑driven approaches to accelerate the development of superior blueberry cultivars. Responsibilities include elaborating research lines, managing projects, securing collaborations and external funding, and actively supporting the implementation of robotics and computer vision‑based systems for high‑throughput phenotyping, multi‑domain data integration, target environment prediction, and other key areas to support Florida’s agriculture sector.

The faculty member will be responsible for reporting progress, outputs, and impacts to stakeholders.

Expected Salary:
Commensurate with Education and Experience.

Minimum Requirements: A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in plant breeding, agricultural engineering, computer science, or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates must have hands‑on experience in plant breeding technologies, field trials, high‑throughput phenotyping, computer vision, and data‑driven machine learning/AI approaches. Proficiency in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding is required, along with a commitment to UF core values.

• Postdoctoral experience or equivalent industry experience in plant breeding, phenomics, or digital agriculture, working with blueberry or specialty crops.
• Experience integrating multi‑domain datasets (phenomics, genomics, environomics) for decision‑making or prediction.
• Experience with computer vision, UAVs, robotics, or automation in agricultural systems.
• Experience collaborating with industry partners and translating research into applied outcomes.
• Demonstrated project management and leadership experience, including building collaborations among interdisciplinary scientific teams.
• Grant‑writing and budgeting for scientific discovery.
• Multilingual ability for international contexts.
• Supervision skills for communications and administrative staff.

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