Assistant Professor, Citrus Genetic Improvement Horticulturist (53270)

This is a 12-month tenure-accruing position that will be 60% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 40% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) available in the Citrus Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. A horticulturist with training in plant breeding, fruit tree physiology or fruit tree management is being sought to join the UF-CREC citrus genetic improvement team. The successful candidate is expected to become intimately familiar with the UF-CREC citrus germplasm and current breeding program activities, and would participate in the identification and evaluation of advanced selections in scion and/or rootstock field trials with collaborating growers throughout the state. The successful candidate will develop a research program that also focuses on the development of production and management systems for newly released and advanced processing or fresh fruit scion selections, as well as rootstock candidates, emerging from the citrus breeding pipeline. Research may also include determining the optimum rootstock(s) and tree spacings for specific selections; addressing any emerging problems with new selections, including disease management, tree and fruit characteristics, canopy management, fruit thinning, etc., as necessary to maximize yields of high quality fruit. The successful candidate is expected to participate in the fruit/juice displays that are held several times during the season, and to develop an extension program that will support and encourage commercialization of UF-CREC scions and rootstocks by providing information to growers derived from scion/rootstock field trials, on how best to grow them to maximize tree survival and productivity. Extension information will be delivered through timely research and extension publications, field-day demonstrations, and through the UF-CREC Citrus Improvement website. Interaction with collaborative growers and research programs from the wide range of other disciplines represented at the CREC (soil scientists, plant pathologists, entomologists, economists, engineers, food scientists and microbiologists) is expected. The faculty member will be part of a core team of scientists that respond to emerging citrus industry threats, needs, and opportunities. Tenure will accrue in the Horticultural Sciences Department . The faculty member will participate actively in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing graduate committees, serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, supervising undergraduate research, and publishing the results with his/her graduate students. The faculty member will seek contract and grant funding to support his/her program. Because of the IFAS land-grant mission, all faculty are expected to be supportive of and engaged in all three mission areas – Research, Teaching and Extension – regardless of the assignment split specified in the position description.

Background Information:

The successful candidate will be located at the Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, FL. The CREC is an internationally recognized research center with research, extension, and teaching programs in agricultural engineering, biotechnology, breeding and genetics, horticulture, economics, entomology and nematology, plant pathology, physiology and biochemistry, post-harvest, soil science, water management, fresh fruit handling and processing. The Center has a staff of more than 250 people including 25 faculty members of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. See the CREC website for more information ( http://www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu ).

Required:

An earned doctorate in Horticulture with emphasis on fruit breeding, physiology, management, or a closely related discipline, is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to IFAS core values of excellence, diversity, global involvement, and accountability. Experience in horticultural physiology, plant breeding, and field trial experimental design and statistical analysis is required.

Preferred:

Postdoctoral experience is highly desirable. Preferred expertise areas include post-harvest physiology, molecular genetics, genomics and biology, plant stress biology, host/pathogen relationships, and biochemistry, as related to plant production.

This position has been re-posted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not re-apply.

To ensure full consideration please apply online and submit additional materials by February 28, 2021. Position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Nominations

Nominations are welcome. Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee. This information should be sent to:

Please refer to Position # 53270

Dr. Fred G. Gmitter

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Citrus Research and Education Center

700 Experiment Station Road

Lake Alfred, FL 33850-2299

Telephone: 863-956-1151

Facsimile: 863-956-4631

Electronic Mail: fgmitter@ufl.edu

Application Information

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to http://apply.interfolio.com/68864 and submit:
  • Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information (including email addresses) for three (3) individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial transcripts

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) .

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

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