Assistant Plant Breeder (Blueberry) – (Agricultural/Food Scientist III) Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/674/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=534817&lJobSourceTypeID=796&sLanguage=en-us) 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: 11 Feb 2025 Eastern Standard Time Applications close: 18 Feb 2025 Eastern Standard Time