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The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. 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 non tenure-accruing time-limited position that will be 100% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service), available in the Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (PIE Center), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. This position will support UF/IFAS public health initiatives, particularly related to agricultural health and safety practices in the agriculture/fisheries/forestry sector. Duties will include (1) conducting a focused Extension program to address agricultural health and safety practices among agriculture/fisheries/forestry sector stakeholders; (2) applying research to develop and deliver educational programs and materials to internal and external target client groups as part of a planned Extension program; (3) establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with representatives of community and public interest groups, particularly as these relationships relate to public health; (4) planning, executing, and evaluating strategic communications research projects that address public health challenges impacting agriculture and agricultural workers; and (5) contributing to the PIE Center’s overall goals in scholarship. 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 faculty member may participate in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing graduate committees, serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, supervising undergraduate research, and publishing the results with their graduate students.

Background Information:

The Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (PIE Center) examines how people think about, form, and act on opinions regarding complex agricultural and natural resources issues, and then develops educational materials to communicate effectively about these issues. The PIE Center has developed collaborative relationships with commodity groups, natural resources institutions, and academic centers. The PIE Center has three affiliate faculty and seven support personnel located on the Gainesville campus. The center’s website https://piecenter.com/ provides additional 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 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.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in agricultural and/or natural resources communication or a closely related discipline is required.  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 UF core values of excellence, discovery and innovation, inclusion, freedom and civility, community, and stewardship. 

Postdoctoral experience is preferred. Experience in the agricultural and natural resources industry, public health sector, and/or non-profit sector is desirable.

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by February 13, 2024.  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 # 530048

Dr. Tracy Irani

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Center for Public Issues Education

1408 Sabal Palm Drive; PO Box 110126

Gainesville, FL 32611

Telephone:                               352-273-3446

Electronic Mail:                      irani@ufl.edu

Application Information

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• Cover letter that states the applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for three (3) individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts

Selected candidates 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 educational institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the 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 is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.