Research Collaboration Coord (Boyd - AI Center)

Boyd•Hillsborough, NJ

10d•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a vital connector and strategic advisor to the Associate Center Director of AI, working closely with stakeholders to define industry-driven research priorities and coordinating the research team to ensure those priorities are met. The coordinator will link faculty expertise with agricultural technology stakeholders such as equipment manufacturers, AI developers, robotics firms, and grower organizations. They will coordinate meetings with faculty and engineering teams to determine optimal technical approaches that address priorities and support the establishment of joint projects with industry. This role will also collaborate with UF Innovate and other university commercialization units to ensure efficient processes that support technology transfer and commercialization, and assist startups and entrepreneurial ventures by connecting them with relevant UF research expertise. The coordinator will also coordinate research efforts across UF faculty and between UF research teams and external partners, integrate stakeholder priorities into research programs to ensure alignment with market demands and production challenges, and support research activities through structured project planning, organization, and facilitation. The role will support the development of sponsored projects, field demonstrations, and agreements that accelerate the translation of research into scalable agricultural solutions, while supporting startups through access to faculty expertise. The position requires maintaining records of engagement activities, project outcomes, and stakeholder feedback for continuous improvement, and contributing to UF/IFAS committees and task forces relevant to agricultural technology, AI applications, and industry partnerships. Other duties as assigned. Work is performed under general direction, with independent judgment expected in managing day-to-day tasks and external relationships. May supervise student assistants or interns as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver’s license.
Eligibility to travel in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

3 years of professional experience in industry relations, technology transfer, business development, or stakeholder engagement.
Master’s degree in a relevant field in agriculture, agribusiness, engineering, business, or a related field.
Familiarity with agricultural production systems and/or AI/automation technologies.
Experience in commercialization, licensing, or startup development.
Knowledge of Florida’s agricultural industry and land-grant mission.
Experience working for Ag Tech organizations.
Ability to travel frequently.

Responsibilities

Serve as a vital connector and strategic advisor to the Associate Center Director of AI, working closely with stakeholders to define industry-driven research priorities and coordinating the research team to ensure those priorities are met.
Link faculty expertise with agricultural technology stakeholders such as equipment manufacturers, AI developers, robotics firms, and grower organizations.
Coordinate meetings with faculty and engineering teams to determine optimal technical approaches that address priorities and support the establishment of joint projects with industry.
Collaborate with UF Innovate and other university commercialization units to ensure efficient processes that support technology transfer and commercialization.
Assist startups and entrepreneurial ventures by connecting them with relevant UF research expertise.
Coordinate research efforts across UF faculty and between UF research teams and external partners.
Integrate stakeholder priorities into research programs to ensure alignment with market demands and production challenges.
Support research activities through structured project planning, organization, and facilitation.
Support the development of sponsored projects, field demonstrations, and agreements that accelerate the translation of research into scalable agricultural solutions.
Support startups through access to faculty expertise.
Maintain records of engagement activities, project outcomes, and stakeholder feedback to guide continuous improvement.
Contribute to UF/IFAS committees and task forces relevant to agricultural technology, AI applications, and industry partnerships.
Supervise student assistants or interns as needed.