Lecturer

Candidates shall have received the academic degree appropriate to the assignment of duties.

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 .

 This is a 12-month non-tenure-accruing position that will be 100% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences), available in the Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. A successful candidate with a Ph.D. degree would be eligible to use the ‘Instructional Assistant Professor’ working title. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit.  Duties will include development of a teaching program related to plant health management and global issues in plant health. The candidate will teach six classes annually, including one UF Quest course (to be developed, general education core; two offerings per year; in-person), one Plant Science core course (PLS 4941 Practical Work Experience, or as assigned; two offerings per year; online) one general education biology course (PLP2000 Plants, Plagues, and People, one offering per year; online), and one upper division undergraduate course in plant health management (to be developed, may be collaborative with faculty in other departments; one offering per year; online). Courses may be adjusted according to department and program needs and candidate expertise.

The successful candidate will engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, including teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses, advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, collating opportunities for undergraduate internships and research, participating in curriculum revision and enhancement, seeking funding for the teaching program, supervising undergraduate and graduate research and creative work, publishing teaching-related scholarship, producing learning tools, and engaging in professional development activities related to teaching and advising. Faculty are encouraged to support and participate in the CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education.

Background Information:

The Department of Plant Pathology has a broad variety of teaching, research, and extension programs, with 39 faculty members across the state (20 in Gainesville and 19 at 9 different Research and Educations Centers). We foster an atmosphere of collaboration, both within and among academic departments, and offer many opportunities to integrate teaching with research, extension, and outreach activities. Our undergraduate Plant Science Degree program is administered jointly among three departments: Horticultural Sciences, Agronomy, and Plant Pathology. We also participate in the interdepartmental Doctor of Plant Medicine (DPM) program. 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. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Commensurate with Experience and Education

A doctorate (PhD or DPM – Doctor of Plant Medicine, foreign equivalent acceptable) in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline is required.  Candidates will be considered if a doctoral degree will be earned by the date of appointment. 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. 

Prior experience as instructor of record; Experience mentoring students; Experience or demonstrated interest in course design and curriculum development (training and mentorship are available; passion for quality and student success is more critical than prior experience).

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by May 30, 2026.  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 # 539567

Dr. Brantlee Spakes Richter

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

Plant Pathology Department

University of Florida, IFAS

PO Box 110680

Gainesville, FL 32611-0680

Telephone: 352-273-2014

Electronic Mail:  bsr@ufl.edu                     

Application Information

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position, and provides background and qualifications relevant to the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications listed above (2-page limit).
• Statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy and interests relative to the duties and responsibilities above (2-page limit).
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts

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.