Postdoctoral Researcher: Weed Science in Ornamentals

University of Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Container Nursery (Ornamental plant production) Weed Management. The position focuses on weed biology and management in Florida container nurseries, with an initial 18-month appointment at MREC near Orlando.

Responsibilities include designing controlled experiments, data analysis, and coordinating students, contributing to publications and reports in a collaborative UF/IFAS environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in weed science, horticulture, plant biology, crop science, agronomy, forestry, or related plant science field with focus on horticultural production.
• Strong record of coursework and independent research in weed science, container production, pest management, controlled environments, or crop/soil management is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, manage, and conduct controlled environment experiments investigating weed physiology and horticultural production practices.
• Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data; publish findings and reports in the context of literature.
• Coordinate undergraduate students and interns assisting in research projects.

Skills

Statistical analyses

Data management

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D. in weed science or related plant science

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Container Nursery (Ornamental plant production) Weed Management

Apply now Job no: 540657
Work type: Post Doc Associate
Location: Orange
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department: 60870000 - AG-MREC-APOPKA

Classification Title:

Postdoc Aso

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

We are seeking applications to fill a postdoctoral research associate position with UF/IFAS located off campus at the Mid Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) near Orlando, Florida. This is an exciting opportunity to pursue applied and basic research relating to weed biology and management in ornamental crops. This position will be an initial 18 month appointment with a possible extension, working with MREC faculty coordinating and conducting research on:

• Growth, reproduction, and germination requirements for common and emerging weed species important in Florida container nurseries
• Use of plant growth regulators and alternative strategies for weed and labor management in container nurseries and landscapes
• Development of alternative and non-chemical methods of weed control by altering production practices and cultural management strategies.
• Assessment of herbicide efficacy, leaching, and fate in container nurseries
• Growth response of weeds to differing soilless substrate compositions, fertilization, and irrigation management practices
• Screening preemergence herbicides and ornamentals for safety and efficacy to develop more effective preemergence herbicide rotations for nursery growers
• Determining ornamental crop response to weed management strategies and their growth and resource utilization when grown in competition with weed species

Specific operational tasks for the position will involve but are not limited to:

• Plan, design, manage, and conduct controlled environment experiments to investigate weed physiology and horticultural production practices.
• Collect, manage, analyze and interpret data from the experiments, and produce publications and reports synthesizing research results in the context of relevant literature.
• Coordinate undergraduate students and interns assisting in research projects

MREC is located in the Orlando metropolitan area, northwest Orange county and 15 miles from a vibrant, multi-cultural downtown and right next to Lake Apopka, one of Florida’s largest and encompassing the world famous North Shore wildlife refuge. Housing is affordable and widely available. Benefits include health and dental, and 130.5 hours of annual leave.

Questions regarding the position should be emailed to Dr. Chris Marble ( [e-mail] ).

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:

A Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) degree in weed science, horticulture, plant biology, crop science, agronomy, forestry, or a related discipline of plant science with a focus on horticultural/plant production is required. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values .

Preferred:

A strong record of course work and independent research in subjects such as weed science, container production, pest management, controlled environments, and crop and soil management is desirable. Abilities and skills in statistical analyses, data management and visualization, and scientific writing is desirable.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date and submit:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and describing your relevant skill set
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

Selected candidate 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) .

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 and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Health Assessment Required:

Health Assessment Required: No

Advertised: 23 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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