Postdoctoral Research Associate in Container Nursery (Ornamental plant production) Weed Management

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We are seeking applications to fill a postdoctoral research associate position with UF/IFAS located off campus at the Mid Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) near Orlando, Florida. This is an exciting opportunity to pursue applied and basic research relating to weed biology and management in ornamental crops. This position will be an initial 18 month appointment with a possible extension, working with MREC faculty coordinating and conducting research on:

• Growth, reproduction, and germination requirements for common and emerging weed species important in Florida container nurseries
• Use of plant growth regulators and alternative strategies for weed and labor management in container nurseries and landscapes
• Development of alternative and non-chemical methods of weed control by altering production practices and cultural management strategies.
• Assessment of herbicide efficacy, leaching, and fate in container nurseries
• Growth response of weeds to differing soilless substrate compositions, fertilization, and irrigation management practices
• Screening preemergence herbicides and ornamentals for safety and efficacy to develop more effective preemergence herbicide rotations for nursery growers
• Determining ornamental crop response to weed management strategies and their growth and resource utilization when grown in competition with weed species

Specific operational tasks for the position will involve but are not limited to:

• Plan, design, manage, and conduct controlled environment experiments to investigate weed physiology and horticultural production practices.
• Collect, manage, analyze and interpret data from the experiments, and produce publications and reports synthesizing research results in the context of relevant literature.
• Coordinate undergraduate students and interns assisting in research projects

MREC is located in the Orlando metropolitan area, northwest Orange county and 15 miles from a vibrant, multi-cultural downtown and right next to Lake Apopka, one of Florida’s largest and encompassing the world famous North Shore wildlife refuge.  Housing is affordable and widely available.  Benefits include health and dental, and 130.5 hours of annual leave.

Questions regarding the position should be emailed to Dr. Chris Marble (marblesc@ufl.edu).