Date of posting here October 21, 2009
Type of position Tenure-track, 65% extension, 35% research
Employer University of Florida
Description of Employer The University of Florida (http://www.ufl.edu) is a Land-Grant and Sea-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 48,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (http://ifas.ufl.edu) includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (http://cals.ufl.edu), the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station (http://research.ifas.ufl.edu), the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (http://extension.ifas.ufl.edu), the College of Veterinary Medicine (http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu), and encompasses 15 academic departments and the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, 9 interdisciplinary centers, 13 research and educational centers throughout the state, and Cooperative Extension units in each of Florida's 67 counties and the Seminole Tribe. The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.

IFAS employs over 3400 people, which includes approximately 950 faculty and 2450 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 Senior 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.
Location Everglades Research and Education Center
Description of Location The Everglades Agricultural Area is located at the southern edge of Lake Okeechobee. It is a dynamic, agriculturally diverse region with major production of sugarcane, rice, commercial sod, and winter vegetables (celery, radish, lettuce, sweet corn, etc). The faculty located at EREC-Belle Glade represent soil science, agronomy, horticultural sciences, entomology, plant pathology, and plant breeding. EREC provides new residential dormitories for graduate students and visiting scientists and contains 600 acres of Histosols available for field research on the unique weed control issues associated with organic soils. Approximately 50 additional personnel support faculty research and extension programs. Belle Glade is located west of the metropolitan West Palm Beach area, a region with a population of 1 million, an excellent subtropical climate, exceptional beaches, and the cultural advantages of a medium-sized city. Website: http://erec.ifas.ufl.edu
Salary Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Benefits Health, vision, dental, & state retirement.
Closing date of competition December 15, 2009
Date position available Currently Open
Description of duties This is a 12-month tenure-accruing position that will be 35% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 65% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service), available in the Everglades Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. Emphasis will be placed on comprehensive weed research in agronomic crops in southern Florida, particularly sugarcane, rice, and commercial sod. Other crop responsibilities may also include weed control of vegetables and biofuel crops grown on both organic and mineral soils of southern Florida.

Specific research topics may include, but are not limited to:
  • characterization of the biology of weed/crop interactions with emphasis on density and duration of weed competition;
  • coordination of weed science investigations with other pest management disciplines so that effective IPM programs can be implemented in areas of crop responsibility;
  • development of environmentally sound and effective integrated weed management programs for Florida producers;
  • evaluation and support for herbicide labels for sugarcane, rice, pasture, turfgrass, and vegetables.
Extension activities will center on a proactive program to deliver the latest information on weed control and related topics to county agents, growers, consultants, and agribusiness personnel. Modes of delivery include traditional hard-copy publications, grower meetings, field days, and PC and web-based electronic formats. The incumbent will be responsible for timely updates of electronic extension publications on weed control in sugarcane and weed control in rice. The faculty member will actively collaborate with weed science faculty on the main campus and research stations. In addition, the successful candidate will participate actively in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis, dissertation and undergraduate research, and publishing research results with students. Faculty are encouraged to participate in professional development activities related to teaching and advising and may teach courses and seminars. Evidence of interest and ability to carry out a successful independent research program as well as cooperate with others are necessary qualifications. Tenure will accrue in the Department of Agronomy, Gainesville.
Qualifications sought Applicant must possess or have completed all the requirements for the Ph.D. in agronomy, horticulture, or related discipline with emphasis in weed science. Field experience in applied weed management is highly desirable. 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 IFAS core values of excellence, diversity, global involvement, and accountability.
Contact for additional
information
Dr. Robert Gilbert Chair, Search and Screen Committee University of Florida Everglades REC 3200 E Palm Beach Road Belle Glade, FL 33430

Telephone: 561-993-1500
Facsimile: 561-993-1582
Email: ragilber@ufl.edu
Application procedure  
Submit what
Individuals wishing to apply should go online to https://jobs.ufl.edu, refer to requisition # 0803169 and submit:
  • Faculty Profile - short application
  • Cover letter that states applicant's interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
  • Resume
Also, official transcripts showing receipt of the doctoral degree and three letters of recommendation should be sent to:

Please refer to Requisition # 0803169
Dr. Robert Gilbert
Chair, Search and Screen Committee
University of Florida
Everglades Research and Education Center
3200 East Palm Beach Road
Belle Glade, FL 33430-4702

Phone: (561) 993-1535
Fax: (561) 993-1582
E-mail: ragilber@ufl.edu
Submit to
Individuals wishing to apply should go online to https://jobs.ufl.edu, refer to requisition # 0803169 and submit:
Additional Information Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity, equal access, affirmative action employer. The government in the sunshine laws of Florida require that all documents relating to the search process, including letters of application/nomination and reference, be available for public inspection. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.