Assistant or Associate Professor of Urban Landscape Entomology - Florida Pest Management Associ

Classification Minimum Requirements

Candidates for this rank shall hold the highest degree appropriate to their field. A candidate must demonstrate successful experience pertinent to the position and qualities relevant to the goals of the academic unit in which they will be employed.

Ast/Aso Prof

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This is a 12‑month, tenure‑accruing position that is 60 % research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 40 % Extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) located at the Mid‑Florida Research and Education Center (MREC), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, based in Apopka. The assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. Tenure will accrue in the Entomology and Nematology Department.

The incumbent is expected to have access to funds from the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA) Professorship endowment to support their Extension and research programs.

The successful candidate will develop a nationally and internationally recognized, federally funded research and Extension program in urban landscape entomology, with a focus on turfgrass and ornamental landscapes. Research themes should address insect pest biology, ecology, and integrated management strategies tailored to Florida systems across urban and suburban landscapes, including residential and commercial landscapes, athletic fields, sod production, and golf courses.

Collaboration with colleagues across Florida, the southern region, and nationally 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.

In addition to research, the faculty member will develop a comprehensive Extension program that provides statewide leadership in urban landscape entomology through UF/IFAS Extension. Extension programming must align with stakeholder needs and include the 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 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, chair and serve on graduate committees, supervise thesis and dissertation research, and engage in professional service consistent with the IFAS land‑grant mission.

The faculty member will actively seek contract and grant funding to support the program and involvement in national and international professional societies is expected.

Commensurate with experience and education.

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Entomology, Biology, or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates must have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships, publication in peer‑reviewed journals, and procurement of extramural funding. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land‑Grant system and have a commitment to UF core values.

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