Postdoctoral Associate - Pasture Mealybug Management in Sugarcane

Job Description

Classification Title: Postdoc Aso

Classification Minimum Requirements: The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Job Description

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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.

The University of Florida's Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC) in Belle Glade, Florida, invites applications for a USDA-funded Postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on the integrated pest management of sugarcane insects. The successful candidate will lead research investigating management tactics for the invasive pasture mealybug, Heliococcus novovillei, a newly established pest threatening Florida sugarcane. Research activities will include both field experiments and greenhouse bioassays.

The successful candidate will lead three primary objectives:

• Determine relationships among pasture mealybug density, leaf yellowing, and sugar yields
• Evaluate the efficacy of chemical control strategies for pasture mealybug management
• Screen commercially relevant sugarcane cultivars for resistance or tolerance to pasture mealybug.

The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to work independently while collaborating with faculty, staff, graduate students, industry stakeholders, and Extension personnel. Responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, publishing results in peer-reviewed journals, presenting findings at scientific and stakeholder meetings, and supervising technical personnel.

The position provides extensive opportunities to collaborate with Florida sugarcane growers, industry representatives, and Extension personnel to develop practical management solutions.

This is a full-time, two-year position funded through external grants. Continued employment beyond the initial appointment may be possible contingent upon performance and funding availability.

The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027, although an earlier start date may be accommodated.

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.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Experience and Education

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Entomology, Crop Protection, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental design, statistical analysis, and scientific writing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Valid driver's license.
• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Preferred:

• Integrated pest management field studies.
• Insecticide efficacy studies.
• Plant-insect interactions.
• Field and greenhouse research methodologies.
• Supervision of research staff and students.
• Applicants should be willing and able to perform field work under South Florida environmental conditions.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF by 11:55 PM (ET) of the closing date and submit:

• Cover letter describing research experience and career goals
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 professional references

Selected candidate 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 education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by 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 subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Health Assessment Required: No

Applications Close: 02 November 2026

Our Commitment: The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. 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.