Postdoctoral Associate - Plant Pathology

University of Florida; Homestead (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center is seeking a postdoctoral associate in plant pathology to conduct lab, greenhouse, and field studies on sustainable management of soilborne diseases and nematodes in snap bean and other vegetables. This is a 12-month, non-tenure track fulltime position.

The incumbent will design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, prepare reports, and develop articles for publications.

Qualifications

• An earned Ph.D. in plant pathology, microbiology, or a closely related field.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to work in fields and in a team with diverse backgrounds.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Conduct lab, greenhouse, and field studies on disease and nematode management.
• Design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, prepare reports.
• Develop articles for publications and assist in extension activities.
• Mentor students and supervise technical personnel when needed.

Skills

Experiment design

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology

Ph.D. in Microbiology

Tools

Molecular biology techniques

Job description

Job no: 541740
Work type: Post Doc Associate
Location: Dade
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department: 60790000 - AG-TREC-HOMESTEAD

Classification Title:

Postdoc Aso

Classification Minimum Requirements: The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

The UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center is seeking a postdoctoral associate in plant pathology. This is a 12-month, non-tenure track fulltime position with potential of extension based on performance and funding availability. The incumbent will conduct lab, greenhouse, and field studies on sustainable management of complexes of soilborne diseases and nematodes in snap bean and other vegetables. The incumbent is expected to design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, prepare reports, and develop articles for publications. In addition, the incumbent will be expected to: 1) be involved in extension activities; 2) assist in securing extramural grants; 3) work as a team with scientists, industry representatives, county extension agents and specialists; and 4) mentor students and supervise technical personnel when needed.

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences , the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station , the Florida Cooperative Extension Service , the College of Veterinary Medicine , the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine. UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Required Qualifications:

An earned Ph.D. in plant pathology, microbiology, or a closely related field; be highly self-motivated, hardworking, and goal-oriented; ability and willingness to work in fields; ability to function within a team of faculty, staff, and students with different backgrounds and under pressure; and strong written and oral communication skills. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Preferred:

Experience with plant diseases and management; skills in molecular biology; a strong publication record; willingness to collaborate with co-workers and others; ability to interact with growers and other stakeholders.

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US.

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Health Assessment Required:

Health Assessment Required: No

Advertised: 16 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 15 Dec 2026 Eastern Standard Time