Research Plant Pathologist Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Assistant/Associate Professor of Plant Disease Resistance
Job no: 540227
Work type: Tenure-Track Faculty
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department:60190000 - AG-PLANT PATHOLOGY
Classification Title:
Ast/Aso Prof
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Candidates for this rank shall hold the highest degree appropriate to their field. A candidate shall be expected to demonstrate successful experience pertinent to the position they are being recommended and have demonstrated qualities relevant to the goals of the academic unit in which they will be employed.
Job Description:
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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 12-month tenure-accruing position that will be 20% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences), 80% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) available in the Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida in Gainesville. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. Within their research appointment, the faculty member will develop an internationally recognized, externally funded program using contemporary methods to explore and improve genetic resistance of plant species to pathogens. The overarching goal is to understand plant resistance and susceptibility and to develop genetically improved plants for crop production, ecosystem restoration or other applications. Fundamental research may focus on naturally occurring molecular and biochemical mechanisms and/or the genetic architecture of plant resistance and tolerance to pathogens. Translational research may involve selection, breeding or engineering of new genetic lines of disease resistant plants of ecological, economical, or other societal importance. The faculty member will be expected to synergize their program with faculty in the Department of Plant Pathology and to explore collaboration opportunities with faculty in UF/IFAS Plant Breeding Working Group, the Crop Transformation Center, the Global Food Systems Institute, other units on campus and Research and Education Centers, government agencies, private, and non-profit organizations.
Within the teaching appointment, the faculty member will develop and teach a course aligned with plant disease resistance at the graduate level and participate in teaching other formal courses at the graduate/undergraduate level. Graduate student mentorship is expected to be an integral component of the faculty members teaching and research program. The faculty member will actively participate in graduate education not only through formal teaching but also by serving on and chairing graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, supervising undergraduate research, and publishing results with graduate students and postdoctoral associates. Tenure will accrue in the Department of Plant Pathology. The faculty member will seek contract and grant funding actively to support their program. The faculty member will engage in Extension 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 Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida is one of the largest in the US, with 39 faculty located in Gainesville or at nine Research and Education Centers around the state. Our graduate curriculum is extensive, and our 44 graduate students in Plant Pathology, 4 in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology and Doctor of Plant Medicine Programs, and 21 post-doctoral associates are active in numerous professional development activities within UF, nationally and internationally.
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.
Expected Salary:
Commensurate with Education and Experience
Required Qualifications:
A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Plant Pathology, Genetics or a closely related discipline is required. Experience in plant physiology, plant genomics, plant breeding, host/parasite interactions, and/or other aspects of plant health and genetics are highly desirable, as are quantitative analytical and molecular skills. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in publication of peer-reviewed research, verbal communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding. The ability and desire to lead as well as work effectively within interdisciplinary teams is required. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
Preferred:
Postdoctoral experience is desirable.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by September 7th, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.
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 # 540227
Dr. Jeffrey Rollins
Chair, Search and Screen Committee
University of Florida
Department of Plant Pathology
PO Box 110680
Gainesville, FL 32611
Telephone: 352-273-4620
Electronic Mail: rollinsj@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
• 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 and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.
Health Assessment Required:No
Advertised: 12 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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