Agricultural/Food Scientist II

Classification Title:

Agricultural/Food Scientist II

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field; or a master’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience.

Job Description:

Implement Research Experiments and Field Demonstrations:
Modify, implement, and conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments related to plant pathology, including disease management and crop productivity studies. Types of data collection will include assessment of disease intensity, measurement of various plant or microbial traits, collection of environmental sensor data and others. Modify and execute experimental protocols, including data collection and analysis, to achieve research objectives. Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and research staff to ensure successful implementation of research projects. Ensure compliance with University of Florida safety and health regulations and maintain a safe working environment. This position will assist the faculty by interacting and coordinating with external collaborators regarding implementation of experiments, such as projects for the testbed of an NSF Engineering Research Center called Internet of Things for Precision Agriculture.

Operate and Maintain Research Equipment:
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory, greenhouse, and field research equipment, including growth chambers, greenhouse irrigation systems, sprayers, and environmental sensors. Perform routine maintenance and repairs to ensure equipment is in good working condition. Modify and implement equipment operation and maintenance schedules to ensure efficient use of resources.

Manage Data Collection and Quality Control:
Modify and implement data collection protocols to ensure accurate and reliable data. Collect, manage, and analyze data from laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments, including disease incidence and severity, crop phenology, and crop management data. Ensure data quality control and integrity, and maintain meticulous records of methods, materials, and experimental results. Modify and implement data management systems to ensure efficient storage and retrieval of data.

Coordinate Multisite Field Trials:
Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and research staff to design and implement multisite field trials. Coordinate with other team members and collaborators to ensure successful implementation of field trials. Modify and implement trial protocols, including data collection and analysis, to achieve research objectives. Ensure compliance with University of Florida regulations and guidelines for field trials.

Analyze and Interpret Data:
Organize, summarize, and analyze experimental data to identify trends and patterns. Modify and implement data analysis protocols to ensure accurate and reliable results. Interpret data in the context of research objectives and develop recommendations for future research. Contribute to reports, summaries, and extension materials to disseminate research findings.

Communication:
Communicate effectively and responsively with academic and industry collaborators on the transfer and documentation of research materials, confidential data, and general information. Implement communication protocols to ensure timely and accurate exchange of information. Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and research staff to ensure successful implementation of research projects. Modify and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including farmers, industry representatives, and other researchers.

Train and Supervise Staff and Students:
Train and orient new staff and students on protocols and standards for research experiments and data collection. Supervise and coordinate the activities of undergraduate students and support staff. Implement training programs to ensure staff and students have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform research tasks.

Procurement and Administrative Tasks:
Manage project-related expenses, including purchasing supplies and equipment. Assist with University purchasing-card purchases for field, office, and laboratory work. Implement procurement protocols to ensure efficient use of resources. Perform other administrative tasks as needed to support research projects.

Implement Experiments on Farmer Sites:
Implement experiments on farmer sites (off-campus locations) as needed. Collaborate with farmers and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of experiments. Driving will be required.

Expected Salary:

$55,000 - Commensurate with education, skills and experience

Required Qualifications:

Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field; or a master’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience.

Preferred:

-Advanced degree in Plant Pathology or other Plant Science
-Demonstrated proficiency in conducting laboratory and field research procedures in Plant Pathology
-Ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing)
-Ability to record, tabulate classify and interpret laboratory results.
-Certifications and/or experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
-FAA Part 107 certification to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
-Experience operating and maintaining environmental sensor equipment
-Experience supervising a small (2-3 person) staff
-Familiarity with new agricultural technologies, specifically precision agriculture technologies and related equipment
-Experience working within a large team

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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

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