Postdoctoral Researcher, Plant Pathology & Drone AI

University of Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate at the Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC) in Belle Glade, FL. The successful candidate will conduct research on disease management and germplasm evaluation in winter vegetables, focusing on celery and lettuce, with drone-based phenotyping and AI-informed decision tools.

Responsibilities include laboratory assays, greenhouse studies, field trials, coordination with growers, grant proposals, and mentoring

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related field.
• Experience with disease management in crops and germplasm evaluation.
• Ability to conduct laboratory and greenhouse studies, field trials, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on disease management and germplasm evaluation in winter vegetables (celery, lettuce).
• Manage field trials at EREC and commercial grower fields; develop AI-informed fungicide programs.
• Screen lettuce germplasm for disease resistance using drone-based phenotyping; collect and analyze data.
• Prepare peer‑reviewed manuscripts and contribute to grant proposals; mentor students.

Skills

Statistical analysis (R/Python)

Mentoring students

Grant writing

Communication (written & oral)

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related field

Tools

Agisoft Metashape

PIX4D

QGIS

Drone pilot license

Job description

The University of Florida invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate at the Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC) in Belle Glade, FL. The successful candidate will conduct research on disease management and germplasm evaluation in winter vegetables, focusing on celery and lettuce, with drone-based phenotyping and AI-informed decision tools.

Responsibilities include laboratory assays, greenhouse studies, field trials, coordination with growers, grant proposals, and mentoring