Assistant or Associate Professor – Plant Pathology

University Of Florida; Quincy (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Assistant or Associate Professor in Plant Pathology to join their dynamic team. This exciting tenure-track position offers the opportunity to engage in impactful research and extension activities that support commercial specialty crop production. The successful candidate will lead innovative programs in plant disease diagnostics, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and actively mentor graduate students. With a focus on developing novel disease management strategies and publishing research, this role promises to make a significant contribution to the field and the community. Join a vibrant academic environment where your expertise will flourish and help shape the future of agricultural sciences.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in plant pathology or related field required.
• Skills in communication and funding procurement are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop integrated research and extension programs in plant pathology.
• Serve as Director of the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab.

Skills

Plant Pathogen Diagnosis

Disease Management

Research Skills

Communication Skills

Grant Writing

Extension Program Development

Collaboration

Education

Doctorate in Plant Pathology

Postdoctoral Experience

Tools

Molecular Techniques

Population Genetics Methods

Job description

Assistant or Associate Professor – Plant Pathology

Apply now Job no: 534215
Work type: Tenure-Track Faculty
Location: Gadsden
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department: 60770000 - AG-NFREC-QUINCY

This is a 12-month tenure-accruing position that will be 60% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 40% Extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service), located at the North Florida Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. The North Florida Research & Education Center (NFREC) is one of the largest and the most varied units of UF/IFAS, consisting of research and education campuses in Quincy, Marianna, and Live Oak, Florida. Tenure will accrue in the Department of Plant Pathology. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit, UF campus and with faculty at other Centers around the state.

The incumbent will develop an integrated research and Extension program in plant pathology supporting commercial specialty crop and ornamental production systems. Expertise in plant pathogen diagnosis and disease management is expected. Experience with traditional and molecular techniques for identification of plant pathogens, applied population genetics, and novel disease management strategies is preferred. The successful candidate will serve as Director of the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab at the NFREC and will function as part of a team at NFREC cooperating with horticultural scientists, plant pathologists, entomologists, plant physiologists, plant breeders, and related expertise as needed. The faculty member will actively seek contract and grant funding to support the program. Publication of impactful research in appropriate refereed journals is expected. Extension activities will include responding to current and emerging plant disease problems encountered by commercial producers. The incumbent is expected to be a resource for County Agents and Regional Specialized Agents across the Florida Panhandle and North Florida who work in specialty crops and ornamental production by providing regular In-Service Training, writing Extension documents, and publishing in newsletters. The incumbent will be expected to interact with stakeholders including producers, industry representatives, commodity groups, and other clientele to further the mission of UF-IFAS. The faculty member will be part of the Graduate Field of Plant Pathology and actively participate in graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, and supervising thesis and dissertation research. Proactive student mentorship and publishing with students is expected.

Minimum Requirements:

• A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in plant pathology or a closely related discipline at the time of hire is required. Candidates that are ABD or earning their degree by May 2025 are welcome to apply.
• Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding.
• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
• Postdoctoral experience and a strong background and knowledge of methods for identification of fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens.
• Evidence of ability to conduct independent and collaborative research in plant disease diagnostics technologies, applied population genetics, and disease management with practical applications in horticultural and/or ornamental systems.
• Experience in extension program development and working with growers, extension agents and other stakeholders.
• Previous experience in Extension in a land-grant university setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary, collaborative team environment.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by January 15, 2024. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions:

This position is available February 15, 2025, and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Nominations:

Nominations are welcome. Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee. Nominee information should be sent to:

Dr. Ian Small
Chair, Search and Screen Committee
University of Florida
North Florida Research and Education Center

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:

• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Research statement including previous and planned research (up to 2 pages)
• Extension statement (up to 2 pages)
• Contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation from a professional perspective

Selected candidates will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

The North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy is situated about 20 miles west of Tallahassee, Florida. The area is rich in natural resources such as state parks, lakes, rivers, and forests and ranges from rural to metropolitan where a variety of cultural events, restaurants, and social opportunities are available to enjoy. The area is near to some of the Gulf Coast’s best beaches for swimming, fishing and boating.

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.