Assistant​/Associate Professor of Fruit Crops

Assistant/Associate Professor of Tropical Fruit Crops

Position #, Requisition #538180

Title:

Assistant/Associate Professor of Tropical Fruit Crops

Location:

Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Homestead, Florida

Salary:
Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience

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

• Lead a state‑wide extension program to increase knowledge and skills of extension agents and industry representatives in tropical and subtropical fruit production.
• Develop an educational program in production of tropical fruit crops grown commercially in the state, including publications, multi‑media news releases, workshops, field days, and meetings.
• Consult with commercial growers and nurserymen in tropical and subtropical fruit production and collaborate with county extension personnel.
• Participate in an applied research program relevant to industry problems, including the IR‑4 Minor Use Pesticide Registration Program.
• Advise the research center's field manager on maintenance and care of the center's subtropical and tropical fruit orchards and germplasm collection.
• Teach a ½ term Summer‑term course in tropical fruit production for graduate and advanced undergraduate students and qualified industry participants.
• Participate actively in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising theses and dissertations, and publishing research results with students.

• Required:
  
  Doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Horticultural Science or a closely related discipline.
• Familiarity with basic horticultural practices, whole‑plant physiology, and molecular and traditional plant breeding techniques.
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding.
• Supportive of the Land‑Grant system mission and a commitment to UF core values.
• Preferred:
  Postdoctoral experience and knowledge of subtropical and tropical fruit crop botany and production.

The Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is located in Homestead, Florida. The Center focuses on tropical and subtropical fruit crops, tropical and temperate vegetable crops, ornamental crops, and natural resources of southern Florida. Additional information about TREC, the Horticultural Sciences Department, and the University of Florida can be found at the University of Florida website.

This position is available August 2026 and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Application Information: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./538180