Assistant/Associate Professor – Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences; Nutrient Management Specialist

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

Job summary

The University of Florida is seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, focusing on nutrient management. This position, based at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Florida, involves 40% research and 60% extension duties, including developing innovative nutrient management practices and engaging with students at various educational levels. The ideal candidate will have a doctorate in a relevant field and demonstrate strong communication and funding skills. Applications close on June 8, 2026.

Qualifications

• Doctorate required in relevant fields.
• Strong communication skills.
• Proven record in securing funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop land use and nutrient management practices.
• Conduct studies on nutrient requirements of forage crops.
• Collaborate with faculty and stakeholders.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Extramural funding procurement

Education

Doctorate in Soil, Water, and/or Ecosystem Sciences or related discipline

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences; Nutrient Management Specialist

Job No: 539654

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Hardee

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

Department: 60780000 - AG-RCREC-ONA

Job Description

Classification Title

Ast/Aso Prof

Classification Minimum Requirements

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

Responsibilities

This 12-month tenure‑accruing position includes 40% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 60% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center (RCREC). Responsibilities include:

• Develop efficient and economical land use and nutrient management practices to improve forage growth and quality for beef and dairy systems.
• Conduct field and laboratory studies on nutrient requirements of forage crops, establish relationships among forage nutrient needs, soil tests, and plant tissue analyses aligned with the 4Rs of fertilizer management.
• Address nutrient cycling, soil health, and minimizing nutrient losses; integrate AI and precision agriculture.
• Collaborate closely with hydrology, water quality, agronomy, animal science faculty, and industry stakeholders (Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Water Policy, Water Management Districts).
• Support county faculty in implementing best management practices for forage production, soil health, and water quality.
• Set research and extension priorities; conduct experiments and demonstrations; publish refereed and extension materials; deliver presentations to diverse audiences; seek extramural funding.

Active participation in undergraduate and graduate education is expected, including chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising dissertation, thesis, and undergraduate research, and publishing results with students. Faculty may also teach courses and guest lecture.

Qualifications

Required:

• Doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in Soil, Water, and/or Ecosystem Sciences, Agronomy, or a closely related discipline.
• 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:

• Postdoctoral experience and evidence of developing an independent research program.
• Ability to work effectively with local clientele.

Location

The position is located at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center, a unit of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, on an 2840‑acre site eight miles south of Ona, FL.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience and education.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by June 8, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Nominations

Nomination details:

• Complete name and address of nominee.
• Send to: Golmar Golmohammadi, Chair, Search and Screen Committee, University of Florida, Range Cattle Research and Education Center, 3401 Experiment Station, Ona, FL 33865. Phone: [phone]. Email: [e-mail].

Application Information

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• Cover letter stating applicant’s interest and qualifications.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation.
• Unofficial transcripts.

Selected candidate must provide an official transcript upon hire. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by an approved credentialing service.

Applications Close

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/539654

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S.; public record laws apply. Accommodation for disability is available. Administration may provide additional information as needed.

Health Assessment Required: No