Postdoctoral Research Associate in Container Nursery (Ornamental plant production) Weed Management

Weed Management • Orange, CA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida is seeking applications for a postdoctoral research associate position at the Mid Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) near Orlando, Florida. This role involves applied and basic research focused on weed biology and management in ornamental crops, specifically within container nurseries. The initial appointment is for 18 months with a possible extension. The position will collaborate with MREC faculty on various research aspects, including understanding weed growth and reproduction, exploring alternative weed management strategies, assessing herbicide efficacy and fate, and evaluating the impact of different production practices on weed control and ornamental crop growth. The role also includes planning, designing, and conducting experiments, managing and analyzing data, producing publications, and coordinating the work of undergraduate students and interns.

Requirements

• Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) degree in weed science, horticulture, plant biology, crop science, agronomy, forestry, or a related discipline of plant science with a focus on horticultural/plant production.
• Supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
• Commitment to UF core values.
• Eligibility to work in the US.

Nice To Haves

• Strong record of coursework and independent research in subjects such as weed science, container production, pest management, controlled environments, and crop and soil management.
• Abilities and skills in statistical analyses, data management and visualization, and scientific writing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on growth, reproduction, and germination requirements for common and emerging weed species in Florida container nurseries.
• Investigate the use of plant growth regulators and alternative strategies for weed and labor management in container nurseries and landscapes.
• Develop alternative and non-chemical methods of weed control by altering production practices and cultural management strategies.
• Assess herbicide efficacy, leaching, and fate in container nurseries.
• Study the growth response of weeds to differing soilless substrate compositions, fertilization, and irrigation management practices.
• Screen preemergence herbicides and ornamentals for safety and efficacy to develop more effective preemergence herbicide rotations.
• Determine ornamental crop response to weed management strategies and their growth and resource utilization when grown in competition with weed species.
• Plan, design, manage, and conduct controlled environment experiments to investigate weed physiology and horticultural production practices.
• Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data from experiments.
• Produce publications and reports synthesizing research results.
• Coordinate undergraduate students and interns assisting in research projects.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 130.5 hours of annual leave

What This Job Offers

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