Assistant/Associate Professor of Plant Disease Resistance

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida is seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor of Plant Disease Resistance to develop a research program focused on plant disease. This full-time position will include teaching responsibilities in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

The successful candidate will have a Doctorate in Plant Pathology and a strong track record in their field, along with experience in research funding. The role includes mentoring students and conducting collaborative research.

Qualifications

• Doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in Plant Pathology, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• Experience in plant physiology, genomics, breeding, host–parasite interactions, or related areas.
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a high-impact research program on plant disease resistance.
• Conduct fundamental and translational research on resistance mechanisms and genetic architecture.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Skills

Plant physiology

Genomics

Breeding

Host-parasite interactions

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Doctorate in Plant Pathology or related field

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor of Plant Disease Resistance

Job No: 540227
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Job Description

This 12‑month tenure‑accruing position will carry 20% teaching responsibilities in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and 80% research duties in the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, within the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida. The faculty member will develop an internationally recognized research program focused on plant disease resistance, combining fundamental studies of resistance mechanisms with translational efforts such as breeding or engineering disease‑resistant plants. Teaching duties include developing and delivering a graduate‑level course on plant disease resistance and supporting additional graduate or undergraduate courses.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a high‑impact, externally funded research program on plant disease resistance.
• Conduct fundamental and translational research on resistance mechanisms, genetic architecture, and breeding of disease‑resistant plants.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty, plant breeding groups, the Crop Transformation Center, and external partners.
• Develop and teach a graduate‑level course on plant disease resistance and assist with additional courses.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, supervise theses, dissertations, and undergraduate research projects.
• Publish peer‑reviewed research and contribute to the scholarly record.
• Acquire and manage external funding through proposals and grants.
• Participate in Extension activities related to the program area.

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in Plant Pathology, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• Experience in plant physiology, genomics, breeding, host–parasite interactions, or related areas.
• Demonstrated publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience or potential to secure extramural research funding.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and support the mission of the Land‑Grant system.
• Commitment to the core values of the University of Florida.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral experience in plant disease or related research.

Salary

Commensurate with education and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.