Agricultural/Food Scntst III
Job Description:This is an Agricultural/Food Scientist III position located in Gainesville, FL, within the Blueberry Breeding & Genomics Lab in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the University of Florida's Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). This senior agricultural scientist position will play a critical role in developing molecular markers for phenological traits and working closely with plant breeder to develop new blueberry cultivars. Duties include phenotypic data collection; traveling to various field sites; fruit quality data analysis; preparing reports and presentations for scientific and industry groups; conducting cross pollinations for both trait improvement and for QTL discovery; and collaborating to carry out breeding program functions.
Specifically, the principal duties and responsibilities assigned to this position are:
General Cultivar Improvement Program Oversee the design, planting, and maintenance of advanced selection trials in central-north Florida, including irrigation design and construction, plot labeling and mapping, and transportation coordination. Oversees the management of pre-commercial variety trials to achieve better yield and fruit quality. Develops the screening, evaluation, and scoring criteria for varieties in pre-commercial trials for low and mid-chill varieties. Evaluates advanced trial plant material and selecting superior varieties that meet breeding objectives. Analyzes existing methodologies, formulates hypotheses, modifies existing procedures, and develops novel procedures for the advanced selection trials. Coordinate the vegetatively propagate selections for entry into advanced testing trials. Research Efforts Leading to Improved Cultivars Conduct research to develop molecular markers for phenological traits. Develop and implement breeding strategies to improve blueberry cultivars. Conduct cross pollinations for both trait improvement and QTL discovery. Collect and analyze phenotypic data from field trials, including fruit quality data. Analyze data using statistical software and document finding. Drive to various field sites to collect data and conduct research. Work with students in the program (undergraduate, graduate, and visiting scientists) to schedule production practices and OPS labor needed to complete research projects. Collaboration and Extension Collaborate with plant breeders, geneticists, and other researchers to carry out breeding program functions. Support the management of the pre-commercial variety trials to achieve better yield and fruit quality. Facilitate communication between growers and UF researchers to solve production problems more efficiently. Coordinate and support the end-of-season survey during the off-season of blueberries. Support blueberry growers in Central-North Florida in their operations. Reporting and Presentations Prepare and present reports and presentations for scientific and industry groups. Communicate research findings to stakeholders, including growers, industry leaders, and academic colleagues. Public Interaction Attend and participate in meetings, field days, etc. to maintain knowledge of current industry trends. Schedule and supervise plant material harvest for licensed propagators. Support general outreach activities of the breeding program. Other duties as assigned. Expected Salary:$70,000 - $83,000 commensurate with education, skills and experience.
Minimum Requirements:Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and two years of experience in the field or a related area; or master’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and five years of experience in the field or in a related area; or bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and seven years of experience in the field or in a related area.
Preferred Qualifications: Capacity to learn fast. Prior experience or knowledge in plant breeding, genetics, or related disciplines, with a specific focus on fruit quality. Familiarity with basic breeding techniques such as controlled pollination, plant propagation, and selection. Familiarity with blueberry field production and management with 2 years of experience. Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and statistical tools/software. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and organized records. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present research findings as well as communicate with growers effectively. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Passion for plant breeding and a genuine interest in contributing to the development of new and improved blueberry varieties. Special Instructions to Applicants:In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.
Valid Florida driver's license and FLorida pesticide applicator license required.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
This is a time-limited position.
Health Assessment Required: Yes