About The Position
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida is seeking an Assistant or Associate Professor of Urban Landscape Entomology. This is a 12-month, tenure-accruing position with a 60% research and 40% Extension appointment, located at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) in Apopka, Florida. The position is supported by the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA) Professorship endowment. The successful candidate will develop a nationally and internationally recognized, extramurally funded research and Extension program focused on urban landscape entomology, particularly in turfgrass and ornamental landscapes. The program will emphasize sustainable pest management, address pest dynamics related to urbanization and environmental changes, and provide science-based solutions for Florida's industries. The role involves developing and delivering educational programs, workshops, and decision-support tools for various stakeholders, publishing research and Extension results, participating in graduate education, and seeking contract and grant funding. The position is part of the Entomology and Nematology Department and contributes to the IFAS land-grant mission.
Requirements
- A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Entomology, Biology, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication.
- Demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
- Demonstrated skills in publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- 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.
- Eligibility to work in the US.
Nice To Haves
- Postdoctoral Experience is desirable.
- A strong record of publishing in refereed journals is desirable.
- Demonstrated expertise in insect ecology and pest management is desirable.
Responsibilities
- Develop a nationally and internationally recognized, and extramurally funded, research and Extension program in urban landscape entomology, with emphasis on turfgrass and ornamental landscapes.
- Conduct research on insect pest biology, ecology, and integrated management strategies tailored to Florida systems across urban and suburban landscapes.
- Emphasize sustainable pest management approaches that reduce reliance on pesticide inputs, improve plant health, and enhance environmental quality in urban landscapes.
- Address pest dynamics associated with urbanization and changing environmental conditions.
- Develop a comprehensive Extension program that provides statewide leadership in urban landscape entomology through UF/IFAS Extension.
- Deliver educational programs, workshops, and decision-support tools for sod producers, pest management professionals, landscape managers, arborists, golf course superintendents, county faculty, and the general public.
- Contribute to relevant UF/IFAS Initiative Teams focused on agriculture, horticulture, and sustainable urban systems.
- Publish research and Extension results in national and international refereed and non-refereed journals.
- Present results at professional meetings.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary faculty and industry partners to address emerging pest management challenges.
- Participate actively in graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, and publishing research results with students.
- Engage in professional service, consistent with the IFAS land-grant mission.
- Actively seek contract and grant funding to support his/her program.
- Involvement in national and international professional societies is expected.
Benefits
- Tenure-accruing position
- Access to funds from the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA) Professorship endowment to support Extension and research programs.
- Access to laboratory, greenhouse, and field research facilities.
- Strong partnerships with industry stakeholders.
- Supportive and engaged in all three mission areas—Research, Teaching and Extension.
- Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
