Assistant or Associate Professor of Phytopathology

POSITION # 00013736

REQUISITION # 539777

Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Phytopathology in Controlled and Space Environments Location: Mid-Florida Research and Education Center Department: Plant Pathology University: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Apopka, Florida Salary: Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience Review Date: For full consideration, candidates should apply by June 15, 2026. Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The position will remain open until a suitable applicant is found. Duties and Responsibilities This is a 12‑month, tenure‑accruing position that is 70% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 30% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) located at the Mid‑Florida Research and Education Center (MREC), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, based in Apopka. The assignment may change to meet the needs of the unit. Tenure will accrue in the Department of Plant Pathology. The UF/IFAS Mid‑Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) in Apopka, Florida serves as a hub for research, teaching, and Extension programs supporting Florida’s controlled environment agriculture, ornamental, landscape, space biology, and related industries. This unique setting provides interdisciplinary work opportunities within the campus and with faculty at other centers across the state. The successful candidate will develop a nationally and internationally recognized, extramurally funded research and teaching program in specialty crops pathology in controlled environment structures (greenhouses, vertical farming, container farming, high tunnels, and screen/shade houses) and space environments, with emphasis on advancing knowledge of plant disease epidemiology. Particular emphasis will be placed on addressing the unique challenges of managing plant health in Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) that support human habitats in space, including those relevant to the International Space Station, lunar, and Martian missions. Collaboration with colleagues across Florida, nationally, and internationally is expected. The research program will address fundamental and applied questions critical to sustaining plant health in controlled‑environment and space‑based agricultural systems. Key research areas will include: Plant–Pathogen Dynamics in Closed and Space‑Analog Environments: Pathogen biology with emphasis on the survival, growth, and dispersal of plant pathogens in controlled environment structures, and under microgravity and other extraterrestrial conditions relevant to space environment. Conduct research on the effects of microgravity and extraterrestrial conditions on plant resistance mechanisms, pathogen virulence, and disease development. Investigate the aerobiology of globally dispersed plant pathogens as analogs for transport, persistence, and exposure risks on planetary surfaces and in closed habitats. Develop and implement advanced diagnostic tools and methodologies for the early detection, identification, and monitoring of plant pathogens in controlled environments and space habitats. Pathogen Management Strategies: Investigate novel pathogen and disease management strategies suitable for controlled and space environment systems, including soil‑less and soil‑based plant production systems. Develop integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks tailored to the unique biological, physical, and operational challenges associated with maintaining plant health in controlled and space environment systems. The incumbent will engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, including teaching graduate and undergraduate courses. Primary instructional responsibilities will include the development and delivery of a plant pathology graduate level course Applied Epidemiology in Controlled and Space Environments (an updated version of PLP6404, 3 credits, online, asynchronous delivery with office hours, with an in‑person bootcamp option for hands‑on training; one offering per year). The course will have an undergraduate section. It is expected the faculty member will also develop another graduate course with an undergraduate section on Plant Health in Controlled and Space Environments (3 credits, online, asynchronous delivery with office hours, one offering per year). Faculty are encouraged to support and participate in the CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education programs. The faculty member is expected to publish research results in national and international refereed and non‑refereed journals, present results at professional meetings, and collaborate with interdisciplinary faculty and industry partners to address emerging plant pathology challenges in closed and controlled environments. The successful candidate will participate actively in graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, publishing research results with students, and engaging in professional service consistent with the IFAS land‑grant mission. The faculty member will actively seek contract and grant funding to support his/her program. Involvement in national and international professional societies is expected. 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. Qualifications Required: A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Horticulture, Biology, or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships, publication in peer‑reviewed journals, and procurement of extramural funding. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land‑Grant system and have a commitment to UF core values. Preferred: Postdoctoral research experience and prior teaching is desirable. A strong record of publishing in refereed journals and demonstrated expertise in pathology are desirable. Employment Conditions This position is available August 16, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr The American Phytopathological Society (APS)