Associate Director and Associate Professor - University of Florida

Aso Dir & Aso Professor

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. 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 .

The University of Florida/IFAS is accepting applications for the position of Associate Director and Associate Professor of the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP). This is a 12-month tenure-accruing position that will be 50% Administration and 35% Research, and 15% Teaching, available in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the CAIP. Tenure will accrue in the academic program area of the successful candidate.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties will be to provide leadership of the Center; interact and collaborate with key Federal, State, and local agencies as well as other stakeholders; supervise CAIP personnel and oversee Center facilities. The Associate Director will help identify and develop high priority interdisciplinary research, extension, and educational programs focused on the applied management of aquatic plants, upland invasive plants, harmful algae, ecosystem restoration, and/or impacts of pesticides in aquatic environments and procure extramural funding to support one or more of these areas. The Associate Director will engage in research activities associated with applied aquatic and invasive plant management issues that may include educational, regulatory, risk assessment, plant management stewardship aspects, and translational activities.  The successful candidate will be expected to teach one course annually and train graduate students.
 
The Associate Director will cooperate with IFAS statewide Faculty, Unit Leaders, District Extension Directors and other IFAS Administrators in developing effective research, extension, and education programs. The Associate Director will represent IFAS on University, Regional, State and National committees. The Associate Director will administratively report to the Director of the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants and their respective Department Chair. 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 University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students.  UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

An earned Ph.D. degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in biology, ecology, natural areas management, environmental science, aquatic toxicology, weed science, or a closely related discipline is required. The candidate should have experience with aquatic ecosystems and the demonstrated ability to plan and execute research, extension, and educational programs. Candidate should have strong skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding. Candidates must be knowledgeable and supportive of the mission of the Federal Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by February 15, 2025. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions

This position is available February 15, 2025 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.

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 # 534262

Dr. Brent Sellers

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Range Cattle REC

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)

Telephone: 863-374-7048      

Electronic Mail:  sellersb@ufl.edu  

Application Information

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF  and submit:

• A formal letter of application which includes a brief statement of the applicant's leadership skills and vision, administrative philosophy, and ideas on the role of the Center of Aquatic and Invasive Plants.
• Current Curriculum vitae which includes a biographical sketch, leadership roles, service, consultant roles, and a list of grants and publications.
• Contact information for at least three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

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

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University 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, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

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 .