Assistant/Associate Professor – Forage Breeding/Genetics

University Of Florida; Marianna (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Florida is seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor for Forage Breeding/Genetics. This tenure-track position focuses on developing a breeding program and supporting livestock systems. Responsibilities include securing external funding, enhancing producer adoption of cultivars, and collaborating with industry stakeholders. Required qualifications include a doctorate in Plant Breeding and strong communication skills. The role also emphasizes undergraduate and graduate education, with teaching responsibilities on a limited basis.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Plant Breeding or related discipline with emphasis on field‑based crop improvement.
• Demonstrated skills in communication and funding procurement.
• Supportive of the mission of the Land‑Grant system.

Responsibilities

• Develop forage breeding program for forage species and cultivars.
• Seek external funding to support the program.
• Enhance producer adoption of new and existing forage cultivars.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on research and Extension programs.
• Participate in undergraduate and graduate education.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Interpersonal relationships

Extramural funding procurement

Education

Doctorate in Plant Breeding or related discipline

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor – Forage Breeding/Genetics

Job No: 539550

Work Type: Tenure-Track Faculty

Location: Jackson

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

Department: 60770000 - AG-NFREC-QUINCY

This 12‑month tenure‑accruing position is 70% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 30% Extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) at the North Florida Research and Education Center – Marianna, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing a forage breeding program to produce and release forage species and cultivars that address 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.
• Using laboratory and field activities with novel breeding technologies.
• Actively seeking external funding to support the program.
• Developing an Extension program to enhance producer adoption of new and existing forage cultivars and best management practices that protect natural resources.
• Collaborating with stakeholders (e.g., Florida Cattlemen’s Association) and aligning research and Extension programs with industry priorities.
• Collaborating with the cropping systems/agronomy/integrated crop‑livestock systems program at UF.
• Participating actively in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis, dissertation and undergraduate research, and publishing research results with students.
• Teaching courses and seminars on a limited basis, as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Plant Breeding or a closely related discipline with emphasis on field‑based crop improvement/plant breeding/cultivar development.
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding.
• Supportive of the mission of the Land‑Grant system and commitment to UF core values.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in field‑based plant breeding research, securing extramural funding, and mentoring graduate students.
• Postdoctoral or industry experience in the development or application of novel methods targeting cultivar development.

Application Instructions:

• Submit a cover letter that states your interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above.
• Provide contact information for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation.
• All applications must be submitted online through Careers at UF by June 15, 2026.

Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.