International Society for Horticultural Science
Assistant/Associate Professor of Tropical Fruit Crops
International Society for Horticultural Science, Florida, New York, United States
Assistant/Associate Professor of Tropical Fruit Crops
Title:
Assistant/Associate Professor of Tropical Fruit Crops
Location:
Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Homestead, Florida
Salary:
Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Review Date:
For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by March 15, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.
Duties and Responsibilities The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. This 12‑month tenure‑accruing faculty position (25% research, 75% extension) will be available in the Department of Horticultural Sciences. The incumbent will lead a statewide extension program to increase the knowledge and skills of extension agents and industry representatives in tropical and subtropical fruit production. Primary responsibilities include developing educational programs in production of tropical fruit crops grown commercially in the state, producing publications, multimedia releases, workshops, field days, meetings, and other activities. In cooperation with county extension personnel, the incumbent will consult established commercial growers and nursery owners in tropical and subtropical fruit production, collaborate on an applied research program, participate in the IR‑4 Minor Use Pesticide Registration Program, advise on maintenance of the center’s orchards and germplasm collections, and teach a 1/2‑term summer course in tropical fruit production. The candidate will also engage in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing and serving on committees, supervising theses and dissertations, and publishing research results with students. Faculty are encouraged to pursue professional development related to teaching and advising.
Qualifications
Doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Horticultural Science or a closely related discipline.
Familiarity with basic horticultural practices such as tree canopy management, irrigation, nutrient management, and pest and disease management for tree crops.
Knowledge of whole‑plant physiology and molecular and traditional plant breeding techniques.
Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding.
Supportive of the mission of the Land‑Grant system and commitment to UF core values.
Preferred:
Postdoctoral experience and knowledge of subtropical and tropical fruit crop botany and production.
Background Information The Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is located in Homestead, Florida, about 30 miles south of Miami. Established in 1929, TREC focuses on tropical and subtropical fruit crops, tropical and temperate vegetable crops, ornamental crops, and natural resources of southern Florida. The agricultural industry served by the center has an annual farm gate value of $1.13 billion, with a local economic impact exceeding $1.5 billion. TREC is the only U.S. state university research center focusing on a broad range of tropical and subtropical crops. The area’s marine humid subtropical climate and oolitic limestone–based soil support diverse agricultural research. TREC’s 160 acres include offices, laboratories, greenhouses, vegetable fields, and fruit orchards.
The Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida offers research, teaching, and extension programs across the state. Program focus areas include Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Plant Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Crop Production and Management, Postharvest Biology and Technology, Organic and Sustainable Horticulture, and Weed Science. IFAS has strong programs in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, and genomics, with an emphasis on cultivars adapted to subtropical climates.
The University of Florida is a Land‑Grant, Sea‑Grant, and Space‑Grant institution with more than 56,000 students. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, including faculty and support staff. It operates 12 Research and Educational Centers throughout the state and is involved in collaborative work with Florida A&M University.
Employment Conditions This position is available Aug 2026 and will be filled as soon as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.
Nominations Nominations welcome. Include the full name and address of the nominee. Send to: Dr. Bruce Schaffer, Chair, Search and Screen Committee University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center 18905 SW 280th Street, Homestead, FL 33031 Phone: (786) 217‑9265 Fax: (305) 246‑7003 Email: bas56@ufl.edu
Application Information Apply online at Careers at UF: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/538180.
Required materials: - Cover letter stating interest and qualifications relative to credentials listed above. - Curriculum vitae, including statement of current position and responsibilities. - Research and Extension statements. - Letters of recommendation from four references. - Unofficial transcripts. Selected candidates may be required to provide an official transcript.
Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US and compliance with University of Florida policies.
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Assistant/Associate Professor of Tropical Fruit Crops
Location:
Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Homestead, Florida
Salary:
Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Review Date:
For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by March 15, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.
Duties and Responsibilities The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. This 12‑month tenure‑accruing faculty position (25% research, 75% extension) will be available in the Department of Horticultural Sciences. The incumbent will lead a statewide extension program to increase the knowledge and skills of extension agents and industry representatives in tropical and subtropical fruit production. Primary responsibilities include developing educational programs in production of tropical fruit crops grown commercially in the state, producing publications, multimedia releases, workshops, field days, meetings, and other activities. In cooperation with county extension personnel, the incumbent will consult established commercial growers and nursery owners in tropical and subtropical fruit production, collaborate on an applied research program, participate in the IR‑4 Minor Use Pesticide Registration Program, advise on maintenance of the center’s orchards and germplasm collections, and teach a 1/2‑term summer course in tropical fruit production. The candidate will also engage in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing and serving on committees, supervising theses and dissertations, and publishing research results with students. Faculty are encouraged to pursue professional development related to teaching and advising.
Qualifications
Doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Horticultural Science or a closely related discipline.
Familiarity with basic horticultural practices such as tree canopy management, irrigation, nutrient management, and pest and disease management for tree crops.
Knowledge of whole‑plant physiology and molecular and traditional plant breeding techniques.
Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding.
Supportive of the mission of the Land‑Grant system and commitment to UF core values.
Preferred:
Postdoctoral experience and knowledge of subtropical and tropical fruit crop botany and production.
Background Information The Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is located in Homestead, Florida, about 30 miles south of Miami. Established in 1929, TREC focuses on tropical and subtropical fruit crops, tropical and temperate vegetable crops, ornamental crops, and natural resources of southern Florida. The agricultural industry served by the center has an annual farm gate value of $1.13 billion, with a local economic impact exceeding $1.5 billion. TREC is the only U.S. state university research center focusing on a broad range of tropical and subtropical crops. The area’s marine humid subtropical climate and oolitic limestone–based soil support diverse agricultural research. TREC’s 160 acres include offices, laboratories, greenhouses, vegetable fields, and fruit orchards.
The Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida offers research, teaching, and extension programs across the state. Program focus areas include Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Plant Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Crop Production and Management, Postharvest Biology and Technology, Organic and Sustainable Horticulture, and Weed Science. IFAS has strong programs in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, and genomics, with an emphasis on cultivars adapted to subtropical climates.
The University of Florida is a Land‑Grant, Sea‑Grant, and Space‑Grant institution with more than 56,000 students. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, including faculty and support staff. It operates 12 Research and Educational Centers throughout the state and is involved in collaborative work with Florida A&M University.
Employment Conditions This position is available Aug 2026 and will be filled as soon as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.
Nominations Nominations welcome. Include the full name and address of the nominee. Send to: Dr. Bruce Schaffer, Chair, Search and Screen Committee University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center 18905 SW 280th Street, Homestead, FL 33031 Phone: (786) 217‑9265 Fax: (305) 246‑7003 Email: bas56@ufl.edu
Application Information Apply online at Careers at UF: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/538180.
Required materials: - Cover letter stating interest and qualifications relative to credentials listed above. - Curriculum vitae, including statement of current position and responsibilities. - Research and Extension statements. - Letters of recommendation from four references. - Unofficial transcripts. Selected candidates may be required to provide an official transcript.
Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US and compliance with University of Florida policies.
#J-18808-Ljbffr