Assistant​/Associate Professor – Forage Breeding​/Genetics

Overview

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. This is a 12-month, tenure-accruing position that is 70% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 30% Extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service), available at the North Florida Research and Education Center - Marianna, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Tenure will accrue in the Agronomy Department.

The UF IFAS Forage Team is an integrated research, teaching, and Extension group of Agronomy faculty with collaborative efforts across IFAS units.

• Develop a forage breeding program to develop and release forage species and cultivars addressing biotic and abiotic stresses, seasonal distribution of forage production, biological dinitrogen fixation, seed production, and overall fitness of forage germplasm for Florida and the Southeast U.S. production and livestock systems.
• Include laboratory and field activities using novel breeding technologies.
• Actively seek external funding to support the program.
• Develop an Extension program to enhance producer adoption of new and existing forage cultivars within best management practices that protect natural resources.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, especially the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, aligning research and Extension programs with allied industry priorities; collaborate with the cropping systems/agronomy/integrated crop-livestock systems program at UF.
• Participate in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis/dissertation and undergraduate research, and publishing results with students.
• Engage in professional development related to teaching and advising; may teach courses and seminars on a limited basis.
• Support the three mission areas—Research, Teaching, and Extension—regardless of the assignment split.

• Required: A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Plant Breeding or a closely related discipline with emphasis on field-based crop improvement/plant breeding/cultivar development is required. Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding. Must support the mission of the Land-Grant system and UF core values.
• Preferred: Demonstrated experience in field-based plant breeding research, securing extramural funding, and mentoring graduate students. Postdoctoral or industry experience in developing or applying novel methods targeting cultivar development is desirable.

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

This position is available as soon as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Nominations are welcome. Nominations should include the nominee's full name and address and be sent to the Chair of the Search and Screen Committee. Requisition # 539550. Contact:
Dr. Jose Dubeux, University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center, 3925 Highway 71, Marianna, FL 32446. Telephone: . Email: dubeux.

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:

• Cover letter stating interest and qualifications relative to the listed credentials
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to provide letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. Transcripts are not official if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES-approved credential evaluation service. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. UF/IFAS is a public institution and subject to Florida Sunshine and Public Records laws.

Health Assessment

Required:

No