Lecturer

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

he 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 Agricultural Education and Communication, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This is a time limited position. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. Duties will include teaching undergraduate courses (on-campus and online) in agricultural and natural resources communication and agricultural leadership education. The faculty member will seek contract and grant funding actively to support their program. The faculty member will engage in Extension activities in their program area. A successful candidate with a Ph.D. degree would be eligible to use the ‘Instructional Assistant Professor’ working title.

The successful candidate will engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, including teaching undergraduate courses, advising and mentoring undergraduate students, participating in curriculum revision and enhancement, seeking funding for the teaching program, supervising undergraduate 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 Agricultural Education and Communication (AEC) is a comprehensive academic unit within the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), dedicated to advancing how people learn about and engage with food, agriculture, and natural resources. AEC’s 32 faculty members and 11 support personnel integrate teaching, research, and extension to prepare effective educators, communicators, and leaders who serve Florida and beyond. The department offers rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs, with the undergraduate degree available on campus, through UF Online, and via an off-campus program at the UF/IFAS Plant City location, enriched by high-impact, real-world learning and close collaboration with industry partners. Faculty scholarship spans agricultural and environmental education, strategic communication, leadership and community development, and program evaluation, translating research into practice to strengthen communities and inform decision-making. For more information, visit http://aec.ifas.ufl.edu.

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.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

A master’s degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in agricultural and/or natural resources communication, agricultural leadership education, or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication and interpersonal relationships. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the land-grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.  

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in agricultural and/or natural resources communication, agricultural leadership education, or a closely related discipline, previous teaching experience in person and online, and procurement of extramural funding are preferred.  A doctorate is desirable, but not required (only required for use of the ‘Instructional Assistant Professor’ working title). Experience in the agricultural and natural resources industry and/or non-profit sector are desirable.

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by June 11, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions

This position is available August 15, 2026, and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

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 # 539994

Dr. Becky Raulerson

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Department of Agricultural Education and Communication

PO Box 110540

Gainesville, FL 32611-0540

Telephone:                               352-273-2751

Electronic Mail:                      beckyraulerson@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 qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for three (3) 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.