Research Assistant Scientist - Phenomics and Digital Breeding Team Leader

Job Description

Classification Title: Res Ast Sctst

Classification Minimum Requirements: Highest degree possible in field; Evidence of pertinent experience for the position and qualities for the academic unit.

This is a 12-month non-tenure-accruing position that will be 100% research (Blueberry Breeding Program), available in the Horticultural Sciences Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the Blueberry Breeding Program.

The faculty member will serve as the Phenomics and Digital Breeding Team Leader. Duties will include working closely with the Blueberry Breeding Program's Director to integrate advanced technologies and data-driven approaches to accelerate the development of superior cultivars at the University of Florida. Additionally, the faculty member will work on elaborating research lines, managing projects, securing collaboration and funds, and actively supporting the implementation of robotics and computer vision-based systems for high-throughput phenotyping, multi-domain data integration, target environment prediction, and other key areas to support Florida's agriculture sector. The research outcome is both for research and operation, and the faculty member will be responsible for reporting progress, outputs, and impacts to interested stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in plant breeding, agricultural engineering, computer science or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates must also have hands-on experience in areas involving plant breeding technologies, field trials, high-throughput phenotyping, computer vision, and data-driven machine learning/AI approaches. Also, faculty must 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral experience or equivalent industry experience in plant breeding, phenomics, or digital agriculture, working with blueberry or any specialty crops.
• Experience integrating multi-domain datasets (phenomics, genomics, environomics) for decision-making or prediction.
• Experience with computer vision, UAVs, robotics, or automation in agricultural systems.
• Experience collaborating with industry partners and translating research into applied outcomes.
• Demonstrated project management and leadership experience, including building collaborations among a variety of interdisciplinary scientific teams.
• Grant writing and budgeting for scientific discovery.
• Multi-lingual to operate in an international context.
• Supervision skills for communications and administrative staff.