Assistant Professor of Molecular Nematology - University of Florida

Ast Prof

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 .

This is a 9-month tenure-accruing position that will be 30% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and 70% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) available in the Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida.  This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. 

Duties will include developing an internationally recognized research program on the molecular interactions between nematodes and plants, microbial symbionts, and/or pathogens for improved pest management. Opportunities exist to participate in interdisciplinary research teams that include applied nematologists studying chemical and biological control, cropping systems, and population dynamics, and specialists in plant pathology, horticulture, agronomy, and soil and water science, among others.

Duties related to instruction will include teaching Principles of Nematology (NEM 3002). This is a large-enrollment undergraduate course taught online annually and is cross listed as a graduate course. The most current syllabus for NEM 3002 can be viewed here.  The successful candidate will also develop an additional course to be offered biennially that aligns with their expertise and/or needs of the department.

Tenure will accrue in the Entomology and Nematology Department. The successful candidate will seek extramural funding to develop and support internationally recognized research and teaching programs. The faculty member will engage in extension and outreach activities in their program area. 

The successful candidate will engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, including teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses, advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, participating in curriculum revision and enhancement, seeking funding for the teaching program, supervising undergraduate and graduate research and creative work, publishing teaching-related scholarship, producing learning tools, and engaging in professional development activities related to teaching and advising.  Faculty are encouraged to support and participate in the CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education.

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 Entomology and Nematology Department has a variety of teaching, research, and extension programs with 38 faculty members located on main campus in Gainesville (including 3 nematologists) and 39 faculty located at 11 Research and Education Centers throughout the state (including an additional 3 nematologists). One of the largest Entomology and Nematology programs in the world, the department has extensive graduate and undergraduate majors, including both in-person and fully online option. The department is a leader in teaching innovation, particularly regarding distance education and the student experience. The Entomology and Nematology Department has faculty associated with the Invasion Science Research Institute, and the Emerging Pathogens Institute, and is the home to the Center for Arthropod Management Technologies.

The University of Florida and IFAS provide training and workshops to assist with course development, content, and technology.  Some of the current teaching resources available can be viewed here. The University of Florida has outstanding research support resources available, including access to HiPerGator, ICBR, and the new UF Scripps Institute.

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

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in nematology, plant pathology, microbiology, plant science or a closely related discipline is required by the date of appointment. Modern molecular experience 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 UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship. 

Postdoctoral experience is desirable. Teaching and mentoring experience is highly desirable.

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by May 19, 2024.  The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions

This position is available January 1, 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 # 530823

Dr. Billy Crow

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Entomology and Nematology Department

1881 Natural Area Drive

Gainesville, FL 32611-0620

Telephone:                              352-273-3941

Facsimile:                               352-392-0190

Electronic Mail:                      wtcr@ufl.edu

Application Information

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Research and teaching statements (not more than 3 page each)
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for three 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.

 The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.