Tenure-Track Postharvest Physiologist & Research Leader

International Society for Horticultural Science; Gainesville (FL); On-site; Full time

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor – Postharvest Physiologist

Job no: 539810
Work type: Tenure-Track Faculty
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL, USA)
Category: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department: 60230000 – AG-HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES
Classification Title: Ast/Aso Professor

Job Summary

This 12-month, tenure-accruing position is 30% Teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and 70% Research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) in the Horticultural Sciences Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. The faculty member will develop an extramurally funded, nationally recognized research and teaching program in postharvest biology and biochemistry, and will engage in Extension activities.

Responsibilities

Teaching (30% FTE):

• Co-teach a joint undergraduate/graduate course.
• Develop a new graduate-level course on postharvest instrumentation.
• Contribute to a team-taught plant biochemistry course.
• Guest lecture in related courses.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and visiting scientists/scholars.
• Produce learning tools and engage in professional development related to teaching and advising.

Research (70% FTE):

• Investigate basic physiological and biochemical processes regulating postharvest responses of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Florida.
• Study quality from preharvest through postharvest operations and develop technological solutions, including AI, to enhance quality and shelf life.
• Collaborate with postharvest genomics/genetics/technology, plant biochemistry, and interdisciplinary partners (plant pathology, food science, engineering, economics).
• Secure extramural contract and grant funding and participate in Extension activities across the state.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in horticultural science, plant physiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong record of publishing in refereed journals.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal relationships.
• Experience in securing extramural funding.
• Support for the land-grant mission and commitment to UF core values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral experience in postharvest physiology and biochemistry.

Employment Conditions

Position available August 15, 2026. Compensation commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.