Assistant/Associate Professor - Postharvest Physiologist

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida is seeking a 12-month, tenure-accruing Assistant/Associate Professor in Postharvest Physiology. This position will be 30% Teaching within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and 70% Research within the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, based in the Horticultural Sciences Department. The successful candidate will develop an extramurally funded, nationally recognized research and teaching program in postharvest biology and biochemistry. Responsibilities include co-teaching a joint undergraduate/graduate course, developing a new graduate-level course in postharvest instrumentation, contributing to a team-taught plant biochemistry course, guest lecturing, and mentoring students and postdoctoral associates. The research program will focus on postharvest physiology of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Florida, exploring physiological and biochemical processes that influence quality and shelf life, and developing technological solutions (including AI) to enhance postharvest quality maintenance. Collaboration with existing research programs and other disciplines is expected to enhance sustainability, reduce waste, and improve economic returns. As part of the IFAS land-grant mission, the faculty member will also engage in Extension activities, complementing existing programs and collaborating with county Extension agents. This assignment may change based on unit needs, and tenure will accrue in the Horticultural Sciences Department.

Requirements

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in horticultural science, plant physiology or a closely related discipline.
A strong record of publishing in refereed journals.
Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication.
Demonstrated skills in interpersonal relationships.
Demonstrated skills in procurement of extramural funding.
Supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
Commitment to UF core values.

Nice To Haves

Postdoctoral experience in postharvest physiology and biochemistry is desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop an extramurally funded, nationally recognized research and teaching program in postharvest biology and biochemistry.
Co-teach a joint undergraduate/graduate course.
Develop a new graduate-level course in 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.
Engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, including the production of learning tools.
Engage in professional development activities related to teaching and advising.
Support and participate in the UF CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education.
Conduct research emphasizing the development of new information related to postharvest physiology of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Florida.
Explore physiological and biochemical processes that regulate fruit and vegetable response to postharvest environment and treatments.
Evaluate the quality of harvested plant products.
Develop technological solutions (including AI) to enhance postharvest quality maintenance throughout the supply chain.
Collaborate with current HOS research programs in postharvest genomics/genetics/technology, plant biochemistry, and with other disciplines such as plant pathology, food science and human nutrition, agricultural and biological engineering, and food and resource economics.
Engage in Extension activities, complementing existing postharvest Extension programs.
Collaborate with county Extension agents in relevant field days and in-service trainings.
Author Extension (EDIS) publications.