Ast/Aso Prof

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment of inclusive excellence that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression. Inclusive excellence is the active process of including and respecting everyone as we strive for excellence and equitable outcomes in all we do at the University of Florida. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. We strongly encourage historically underrepresented groups to apply.

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 .

The University of Florida, through its AI initiative , is building the nation’s first comprehensive AI university through a university-wide approach to teaching artificial intelligence, using AI to solve grand challenges, creating the AI workforce of tomorrow, and doing so in an ethical and equitable manner. As a key part of this initiative, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has emerged as the world leader in AI applications in agriculture, food, and natural resources. IFAS’s strong and diverse teaching, research, and Extension portfolio incorporates and applies AI and data science across disciplines. This infusion of technology has supercharged the university’s research and development portfolio. With HiPerGator  at their disposal, UF/IFAS faculty can analyze vast amounts of data and predict solutions to health, agriculture, engineering and educational challenges in Florida, the nation, and the world.

This is a 9-month tenure-accruing position that will be 35% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 65% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service), available in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida.  This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit.  Duties will include (1) conducting a focused research program to identify factors that influence the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, test strategies to elicit such practices, and measure resulting impacts; (2) using research results to develop and deliver educational programs and materials to internal and external target client groups as part of a planned extension program; (3) coordinating and leading the UF/IFAS Extension AI advisory group and collaborating with the Artificial Intelligence Academic Initiative Center (AI2 ) ; and (4) contributing to the Department’s overall goals in scholarship, diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Tenure will accrue in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. 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.

The successful candidate will participate actively in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis, dissertation and undergraduate research, and publishing research results with students. Faculty are encouraged to participate in professional development activities related to teaching and advising and may teach courses and seminars.

Because of the IFAS land-grant mission, all faculty are expected to be supportive of and engaged in all three mission areas - Research, Teaching and Extension - regardless of the assignment split specified in the position description.

Background Information

The Department of Agricultural Education and Communication is a comprehensive academic unit in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida and has diverse teaching, research, and extension education programs with 28 faculty members and 13 support personnel located on the Gainesville campus. An additional three faculty members are directing the department’s program at the UF/IFAS Plant City location.

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.

AI@UF

Commensurate with Education and Experience

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Extension education, artificial intelligence, social science or a closely related discipline is required.  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 of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship. 

Postdoctoral or professional experience, expertise, and interests that support the focus of this position.

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by September 1, 2023.  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 # 527533

Dr. Ricky Telg

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Agricultural Education and Communication

PO Box 110126

Gainesville, FL 32611

Telephone:                               352-273-2094

Electronic Mail:                          rwtelg@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 of Florida  is an Equal Opportunity Institution. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences  is dedicated to establishing a rich and engaging academic environment where our staff, students, faculty strive to recognize and respond to complex issues facing Floridians, the nation, and the world. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.