Assistant Plant Breeder (Blueberry) – (Agricultural/Food Scientist III)

Apply now Job no: 534817
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agriculture Operations
Department:60230000 - AG-HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES

Classification Title:

Agricultural/Food Scntst III
Job Description:

This is an Agricultural/Food Scientist III position located in Gainesville, FL, within the Blueberry Breeding & Genomics Lab in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the University of Florida's Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). This senior agricultural scientist position will play a critical role in developing molecular markers for phenological traits and working closely with plant breeder to develop new blueberry cultivars. Duties include phenotypic data collection; traveling to various field sites; fruit quality data analysis; preparing reports and presentations for scientific and industry groups; conducting cross pollinations for both trait improvement and for QTL discovery; and collaborating to carry out breeding program functions.

Specifically, the principal duties and responsibilities assigned to this position are:

  • General Cultivar Improvement Program
    • Oversee the design, planting, and maintenance of advanced selection trials in central-north Florida, including irrigation design and construction, plot labeling and mapping, and transportation coordination.
    • Oversees the management of pre-commercial variety trials to achieve better yield and fruit quality.
    • Develops the screening, evaluation, and scoring criteria for varieties in pre-commercial trials for low and mid-chill varieties.
    • Evaluates advanced trial plant material and selecting superior varieties that meet breeding objectives.
    • Analyzes existing methodologies, formulates hypotheses, modifies existing procedures, and develops novel procedures for the advanced selection trials.
    • Coordinate the vegetatively propagate selections for entry into advanced testing trials.
  • Research Efforts Leading to Improved Cultivars 
    • Conduct research to develop molecular markers for phenological traits.
    • Develop and implement breeding strategies to improve blueberry cultivars.
    • Conduct cross pollinations for both trait improvement and QTL discovery.
    • Collect and analyze phenotypic data from field trials, including fruit quality data.
    • Analyze data using statistical software and document finding.
    • Drive to various field sites to collect data and conduct research.
    • Work with students in the program (undergraduate, graduate, and visiting scientists) to schedule production practices and OPS labor needed to complete research projects.
  • Collaboration and Extension
    • Collaborate with plant breeders, geneticists, and other researchers to carry out breeding program functions.
    • Support the management of the pre-commercial variety trials to achieve better yield and fruit quality.
    • Facilitate communication between growers and UF researchers to solve production problems more efficiently.
    • Coordinate and support the end-of-season survey during the off-season of blueberries.
    • Support blueberry growers in Central-North Florida in their operations.
  • Reporting and Presentations 
    • Prepare and present reports and presentations for scientific and industry groups.
    • Communicate research findings to stakeholders, including growers, industry leaders, and academic colleagues.
  • Public Interaction
    • Attend and participate in meetings, field days, etc. to maintain knowledge of current industry trends.
    • Schedule and supervise plant material harvest for licensed propagators.
    • Support general outreach activities of the breeding program.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Expected Salary:

$70,000 - $83,000 commensurate with education, skills and experience.
Minimum Requirements:

Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and two years of experience in the field or a related area; or master’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and five years of experience in the field or in a related area; or bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and seven years of experience in the field or in a related area.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Capacity to learn fast.
  • Prior experience or knowledge in plant breeding, genetics, or related disciplines, with a specific focus on fruit quality.
  • Familiarity with basic breeding techniques such as controlled pollination, plant propagation, and selection.
  • Familiarity with blueberry field production and management with 2 years of experience.
  • Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and statistical tools/software.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and organized records.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present research findings as well as communicate with growers effectively.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Passion for plant breeding and a genuine interest in contributing to the development of new and improved blueberry varieties.
Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Valid Florida driver's license and FLorida pesticide applicator license required.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This is a time-limited position.
Health Assessment Required: Yes

 

Advertised: Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Eastern Standard Time

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