Assistant/Associate Professor - Postharvest Physiologist

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida seeks an Assistant/Associate Professor – Postharvest Physiologist for a 12-month, tenure-accruing position in Gainesville, FL. This role involves 30% teaching and 70% research in the Horticultural Sciences Department. Responsibilities include mentoring students, conducting research, and engaging in Extension activities. Candidates must possess a doctorate in a relevant field and have a strong publication record. The position remains open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Qualifications

• Doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in horticultural science, plant physiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong publication record in refereed journals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal relationships, and success in procuring extramural funding.
• Commitment to the mission of the Land‑Grant system and UF core values.

Responsibilities

• Teach and develop courses in horticultural sciences.
• Mentor students, postdoctoral associates, and visiting scientists.
• Conduct research on postharvest physiology of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Engage in Extension programs including field days and training sessions.

Skills

Strong publication record

Excellent verbal communication

Excellent written communication

Interpersonal relationships

Education

Doctorate in horticultural science or related discipline

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor – Postharvest Physiologist

Job No.: 539810 | Work Type: Full Time | Location: Gainesville, FL

Job Description

This 12‑month, tenure‑accruing position is 30% teaching and 70% research in the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida. The faculty member will actively seek extramural funding and engage in Extension activities.

Responsibilities

• Teach and develop courses, including co‑teaching a joint undergraduate/graduate course, creating a graduate‑level course in postharvest instrumentation, contributing to a plant biochemistry course, and guest lecturing.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and visiting scientists.
• Produce teaching‑related scholarship and develop learning tools.
• Conduct research on postharvest physiology of fresh fruits and vegetables, including physiological and biochemical processes, quality assessment, and development of technological solutions such as AI.
• Collaborate across disciplines (plant pathology, food science, engineering, economics) to advance sustainability and reduce waste.
• Engage in Extension programs on campus and in the state, including field days and training sessions.

Qualifications

• Doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in horticultural science, plant physiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong publication record in refereed journals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal relationships, and success in procuring extramural funding.
• Commitment to the mission of the Land‑Grant system and UF core values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral experience in postharvest physiology and biochemistry.

The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.