Postdoctoral Associate, Nursery Science Production and Agrophysics

Postdoc Aso

The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

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A postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the Environmental Nursery Production lab at the University of Florida with an emphasis on establishing fundamental research that will unlock insight into the relationship between plants substrate and environment in outdoor nursery crop production.

This position will focus on developing and publishing high-caliber research that will expand our understanding of the substrate-plant-atmosphere continuum in commercial nurseries and lead to improved production practices for ornamental horticulture. The postdoctoral associate will spend approximately 50% of their time on original fundamental research designed collaboratively with the PI to advance our understanding of the connectivity between nursery production the environment and the physical world. This includes developing concepts initiating trials collecting analyzing and interpreting data with the expectation of publishing in Q1 journals.

The remaining 50% of the postdoctoral associates time will be dedicated to advancing ornamental production practices and moving applied nursery research forward. This includes analyzing data generating reports and writing manuscripts for publication with the PI mentoring junior scientists and supporting additional lab activities. These endeavors involve exploration of innovative concepts and ideas to advance production techniques understanding of plant stress response substrate science irrigation technologies and fertilizer efficiency.

Thus this position will divide their time between fundamental nursery-based agrophysics research and supporting the labs motto of Applied Solutions all with a focus on container-grown ornamental plants in open-air and protected nursery cultivation systems. Overall this position will participate in projects focusing on plant physiology abiotic stress water relations biophysics root zone temperature management understanding the substrate-plant-water continuum substrate engineering and environmental modeling.

This is an in-person position in Dr. Jeb S. Fields lab which focuses on developing production applications for the ornamental horticulture industry. All facilities and space necessary for success will be provided. To accentuate the postdoctoral experience we encourage and support participation in additional collaborative research program development grant writing extension and mentoring of junior scientists. There will be opportunities to present data and build industry networks. Moreover the postdoctoral associate will have regular dedicated collaborative mentoring time with PI for support in research and career opportunities with the aim of securing gainful employment after the program.

The postdoctoral associate position is a 12-month full-time position and renewable annually for up to three years depending on productivity. The pay is set at $58656 / year and comes with associated benefits. An option for 0.75 FTE is also available.

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 56000 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 4500 people which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS one of the nations 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.

The Horticultural Sciences Department is a unit within IFAS at the University of Florida and has diverse teaching research and extension education programs with 34 faculty in Gainesville and 26 faculty at various Research and Education Centers throughout the state. The Horticultural Sciences Department is currently ranked top 9 in the center for world university rankings.

Commensurate with Experience and Education

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in horticulture soil science environmental science biophysics or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

• Experience with plant production
• Aptitude in scientific writing data visualization and interpretation
• Advanced modeling/programming skills
• Proficiency with environmental remote sensing and interpretation
• Familiarity with HYDRUS computer models
• Self-sufficiency with statistical concepts and programs
• Self-motivated well-organized team player and critical thinker
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Drivers license
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.

Employment Conditions

This position is available November 2026 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

• Individuals wishing to apply should go to Careers at UF by 11:55 PM of the closing date and submit:
• Cover letter that states applicants 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 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.