Agricultural/Food Scientist II

University of Florida•Gadsden, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves implementing research experiments and field demonstrations related to plant pathology, including disease management and crop productivity studies. The role requires data collection on disease intensity, plant or microbial traits, and environmental sensor data. The scientist will modify and execute experimental protocols, collaborate with faculty and students, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. A key aspect is coordinating with external collaborators for projects like the NSF Engineering Research Center's Internet of Things for Precision Agriculture testbed. The position also entails operating and maintaining research equipment, managing data collection and quality control, coordinating multisite field trials, analyzing and interpreting data, communicating with collaborators, training and supervising staff and students, and handling procurement and administrative tasks. Experiments will also be implemented on farmer sites, requiring driving.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field; or a master’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Plant Pathology or other Plant Science
Demonstrated proficiency in conducting laboratory and field research procedures in Plant Pathology
Ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing)
Ability to record, tabulate classify and interpret laboratory results.
Certifications and/or experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
FAA Part 107 certification to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Experience operating and maintaining environmental sensor equipment
Experience supervising a small (2-3 person) staff
Familiarity with new agricultural technologies, specifically precision agriculture technologies and related equipment
Experience working within a large team

Responsibilities

Modify, implement, and conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments related to plant pathology, including disease management and crop productivity studies.
Collect data including assessment of disease intensity, measurement of various plant or microbial traits, and collection of environmental sensor data.
Modify and execute experimental protocols, including data collection and analysis, to achieve research objectives.
Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and research staff to ensure successful implementation of research projects.
Ensure compliance with University of Florida safety and health regulations and maintain a safe working environment.
Interact and coordinate with external collaborators regarding implementation of experiments.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory, greenhouse, and field research equipment, including growth chambers, greenhouse irrigation systems, sprayers, and environmental sensors.
Perform routine maintenance and repairs to ensure equipment is in good working condition.
Modify and implement equipment operation and maintenance schedules to ensure efficient use of resources.
Modify and implement data collection protocols to ensure accurate and reliable data.
Collect, manage, and analyze data from laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments, including disease incidence and severity, crop phenology, and crop management data.
Ensure data quality control and integrity, and maintain meticulous records of methods, materials, and experimental results.
Modify and implement data management systems to ensure efficient storage and retrieval of data.
Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and research staff to design and implement multisite field trials.
Coordinate with other team members and collaborators to ensure successful implementation of field trials.
Modify and implement trial protocols, including data collection and analysis, to achieve research objectives.
Ensure compliance with University of Florida regulations and guidelines for field trials.
Organize, summarize, and analyze experimental data to identify trends and patterns.
Modify and implement data analysis protocols to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Interpret data in the context of research objectives and develop recommendations for future research.
Contribute to reports, summaries, and extension materials to disseminate research findings.
Communicate effectively and responsively with academic and industry collaborators on the transfer and documentation of research materials, confidential data, and general information.
Implement communication protocols to ensure timely and accurate exchange of information.
Modify and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including farmers, industry representatives, and other researchers.
Train and orient new staff and students on protocols and standards for research experiments and data collection.
Supervise and coordinate the activities of undergraduate students and support staff.
Implement training programs to ensure staff and students have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform research tasks.
Manage project-related expenses, including purchasing supplies and equipment.
Assist with University purchasing-card purchases for field, office, and laboratory work.
Implement procurement protocols to ensure efficient use of resources.
Perform other administrative tasks as needed to support research projects.
Implement experiments on farmer sites (off-campus locations) as needed.
Collaborate with farmers and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of experiments.