Job Description

Classification Title:
Postdoctoral Associate
Classification Minimum Requirements:
The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.
:
The welcomes applicants who can contribute to our environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. 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 .
The University of Florida's Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to support a collaborative research initiative in Controlled Environment Agriculture, in partnership with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). This is a full-time, three-year position based at Dr. Samarakoon's lab MREC in Apopka, Florida.
This position focuses on developing integrated strategies to enhance yield, quality, and flavor of high-wire crop production under Florida greenhouse conditions. The successful candidate will work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs) to coordinate and conduct research, conduct laboratory analyses, and contribute to extension activities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment is essential.
The Postdoctoral Associate will be responsible for planning and designing experiments, organizing research and extension activities with the PIs, and coordinating multiple trials.
Duties include:

• Design and implement greenhouse experiments related to high-wire crop production.
• Collecting and analyzing data. writing manuscripts and technical reports,
• Operating and maintaining instruments used in plant physiological research (e.g., growth chambers, photosynthesis meters, and other analytical tools).
• Preparing scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and extension materials.
• Present research findings at seminars, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
• As needed, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Background Information
The 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 includes the , the , the , the , the 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 Education and Experience
Required Qualifications:
A Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in plant or horticulture science or any related discipline with a background in advanced plant physiology is required. Good oral/written communication skills are essential. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to .
Preferred:
Experience in working with crops in controlled environment agriculture or hydroponic crop production is desirable.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to

and submit:

• a letter of application summarizing the applicant's qualifications, detailed research interests, and suitability for the position
• a complete curriculum vitae, including all professional appointments/engagements, all post-secondary education, and all publications from post-secondary education
• unofficial transcripts for post-secondary education
• the names and email addresses of three 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 .
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 of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.
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 .
Health Assessment Required: No
Advertised: 16 Oct 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 20 Nov 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Skills Required