Assistant/Associate Professor - Postharvest Physiologist

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida is seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor specializing in Postharvest Physiology. This is a 12-month, tenure-accruing position within the Horticultural Sciences Department. The role is split between teaching (30% FTE) in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and research (70% FTE) in the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station. The faculty member will be responsible for developing an extramurally funded, nationally recognized research and teaching program in postharvest biology and biochemistry. This includes seeking contract and grant funding, engaging in Extension activities, mentoring students and postdoctoral associates, and producing learning tools. The research program will focus on postharvest physiology of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Florida, exploring fundamental physiological and biochemical processes that influence quality and shelf life. Collaboration with existing research programs and other disciplines is expected to enhance sustainability, reduce waste, and improve economic returns. The position also involves Extension activities, complementing existing programs and collaborating with county Extension agents.

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.
• Must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
• Must have a 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.
• Actively seek contract and grant funding to support their program.
• Engage in Extension activities in their program area.
• 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.
• Demonstrate teaching-related scholarship via 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.
• 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.
• Complement existing postharvest Extension programs.
• Collaborate with county Extension agents in relevant field days, in-service trainings and authoring Extension (EDIS) publications.

Benefits

• 12-month, tenure-accruing position
• Opportunities to explore fundamental physiological and biochemical processes
• Collaboration opportunities with current research programs and other disciplines
• Supportive and engaged work environment within a Land-Grant institution

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree