Research Assistant Scientist (72146)

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. We strongly encourage historically underrepresented groups to apply.

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) or visit Accessibility at UF .

This is a 12-month non-tenure-accruing position that will be 100% research, available in the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. The MREC seeks an agricultural economist to work on areas including but not limited to (1) the economic feasibility of horticultural production, (2) horticultural consumer marketing, and (3) econometric analysis of cross-section data, panel data and discrete choice analysis . Duties will include creating and conducting consumer and producers surveys, and presenting research results at professional and industry meetings. The successful candidate will publish in national and international journals, and thus develop a nationally recognized research program. The unique combination of opportunities to conduct industry-relevant fundamental and applied research and to interact closely with the ornamental plants industry is the strength of UF IFAS MREC. This is a non-tenure accruing position. However, the faculty member may participate actively in graduate education by chairing graduate committees, serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, and publishing the results with their graduate students. The faculty member will seek contract and grant funding actively to support their salary and program.

Background Information:

The MREC, located in Apopka, Florida, is 15 miles northwest of the Orlando metropolitan area and 30 miles from the Orlando International Airport. MREC is 95 miles from the main UF campus at Gainesville. This close proximity allows easy participation in UF/IFAS administrative meetings and other main campus activities. MREC is central to large concentrations of Florida’s diversified ornamental plant and landscape industries producing nursery and indoor and foliage plants. In addition there are nearby fruit and vegetable production operations and many small, diversified farms. Center personnel include 14 faculty and 45 supporting staff, excluding part-time and grant-funded personnel and students. Currently, the interdisciplinary MREC faculty has members specializing in agricultural economics, entomology, landscape ornamentals and indoor foliage plants, landscape ecology, molecular biology, plant breeding, plant pathology, vegetable culture, and viticulture. More information on the MREC, UF/IFAS, and the region can be found at http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/ .

Required:

An earned Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in agricultural economics or a related field. The successful candidate will have experience in one or more of the following: survey research, econometric analysis of cross section and panel data, and discrete choice analysis. 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.

Preferred:

Postdoctoral experience is desirable. Experience with biometric data integration software platforms is a plus.

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit additional materials by 25 April 2021. The 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 Requisition # 72146

Hayk Khachatryan

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Food and Resource Economics Department

Mid-Florida Research and Education Center

2725 S. Binion Road, Apopka, FL 32703

Telephone: (407) 410-6951

Electronic Mail: hayk@ufl.edu

Application Information

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to http://apply.interfolio.com/85737 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 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) .

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.

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. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. 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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The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.