Postdoctoral Research Associate: Pasture Mealybug Management in Sugarcane

The University of Florida's Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC) in Belle Glade, Florida, invites applications for a USDA-funded Postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on the integrated pest management of sugarcane insects. The successful candidate will lead research investigating management tactics for the invasive pasture mealybug, Heliococcus novovillei, a newly established pest threatening Florida sugarcane. Research activities will include both field experiments and greenhouse bioassays. The successful candidate will lead three primary objectives:

• Determine relationships among pasture mealybug density, leaf yellowing, and sugar yields
• Evaluate the efficacy of chemical control strategies for pasture mealybug management
• Screen commercially relevant sugarcane cultivars for resistance or tolerance to pasture mealybug. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to work independently while collaborating with faculty, staff, graduate students, industry stakeholders, and Extension personnel. Responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, publishing results in peer-reviewed journals, presenting findings at scientific and stakeholder meetings, and supervising technical personnel. The position provides extensive opportunities to collaborate with Florida sugarcane growers, industry representatives, and Extension personnel to develop practical management solutions. Minimum Qualifications
• Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Entomology, Crop Protection, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental design, statistical analysis, and scientific writing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications
• Integrated pest management field studies.
• Insecticide efficacy studies.
• Plant-insect interactions.
• Field and greenhouse research methodologies.
• Supervision of research staff and students.Applicants should be willing and able to perform field work under South Florida environmental conditions. SalaryCommensurate with Experience and Education. AppointmentThis is a full-time, two-year position funded through external grants. Continued employment beyond the initial appointment may be possible contingent upon performance and funding availability. Start DateThe anticipated start date is January 1, 2027, although an earlier start date may be accommodated. Application InstructionsIndividuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF (https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/541769) and submit:
• Cover letter describing research experience and career goals
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 professional references Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Questions about the position should be sent electronically to Dr. Julien Beuzelin at jbeuzelin@ufl.edu. 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.