Assistant Professor of Horticultural Sciences (Plant Root Biology)

Classification Title:

Ast Prof

Job Description:

This is a 12-month tenure-accruing position with 80% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 20% teaching (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) responsibilities located at the Indian River Research and Education Center, Fort Pierce, FL. The appointee will accrue tenure in the Department of Horticultural Sciences (HOS), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida. The appointee will develop an internationally recognized, extramurally funded research program with emphasis on: 1) plant root physiology and biology to improve root health and crop productivity; 2) development of environmentally sound and effective crop management methods that focus on the subterranean biotic and abiotic issues affecting root health, crop growth, and yields in Florida horticultural production, with emphasis on citrus. Opportunities exist to participate in interdisciplinary research teams that include specialists in horticultural production, plant pathology, entomology, soil and water science, and agricultural and biological engineering. The appointee will also develop a scholarly teaching program that develops and teaches innovative courses that contribute to the academic needs of the Department of Horticultural Sciences and have measurable impacts on student learning. Course instruction will use modern online delivery techniques that meet the UF Markers of Excellence for Teaching Online and Blended Courses. The successful candidate will participate in graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, and publishing research results with students. 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.

The Indian River Research and Education Center is a unit of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida, and is located on a 700-acre site west of Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County. Fort Pierce is located on the east coast of Florida, 50 miles north of West Palm Beach. The internationally recognized research center is located in a major agricultural region in which nurseries, citrus, beef cattle, and vegetables are major industries. The IRREC is an interdisciplinary unit of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Extension Service, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, all of which are administered by IFAS to serve the land-grant mission. The Horticultural Sciences Department (http://hos.ufl.edu) at the University of Florida has diverse research, teaching, and extension programs located at the Gainesville campus and across the state at Research and Education Centers.

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

This position requires a Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a closely related field. The candidate is expected to be well versed and have published in the field of plant root physiology and biology. 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 Qualifications:

Postdoctoral experience is preferred. Expertise in the rhizosphere microcosm, crop production, and agronomy is highly desirable.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To ensure full consideration, please apply online and submit additional materials by October 3, 2016. Position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions

This position is available November 18, 2016, and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Application Information

Nominations are welcome. Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee.

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to http://jobs.ufl.edu (search for requisition # 498574) and submit:

• Application
• Cover letter that states applicant's interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Unofficial transcript showing receipt of the doctoral degree
• Three letters of recommendation should be sent to Dr. Mark Ritenour (see below).

Please refer to Requisition 498574

Dr. Mark Ritenour

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida, IFAS

Indian River Research and Education Center

2199 South Rock Road

Ft. Pierce, FL 34945-3138

Phone: 772-577-7359

Fax: 772-468-5668

ritenour@ufl.edu

The Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript 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), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The selection process will be conducted in accord with the provisions of Florida's 'Government in the Sunshine' and Public Records Laws. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.

Health Assessment Required: No