Res Ast 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 .

This is a 9 month, non-tenure-accruing Research Assistant Professor position that will be 20% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and 80% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an externally funded field-based research program addressing topics in estuarine, coastal and/or wetland ecology and publish results from research on these topics in refereed journals.  Applicants with research experience in coastal ecosystem processes, species-habitat and trophic dynamic relationships, and/or faunal responses to changing environments are especially encouraged to apply.  This individual will also be expected to work with other UF faculty and agency partners on collaborative research projects and proposals focused on the ecosystems contained within the Nature Coast.   The successful candidate will participate actively in undergraduate and graduate education by teaching field-based courses on estuarine ecology in the Nature Coast Region of Florida.  In addition, they will mentor students, serve on graduate committees, supervise dissertation, thesis, and undergraduate research, and publish research results with students. 

Region

The Nature Coast spans the Big Bend of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, ranging from Hernando to Wakulla County.  The region contains one of North America’s most pristine coastlines, with relatively unaltered river and spring systems, extensive seagrass meadows, expansive oyster reefs, coastal salt marsh and mangrove habitats, and valuable recreational and commercial fisheries.  The region supports productive shellfish fisheries (shrimp, oyster) and a vibrant hard clam aquaculture industry valued at $40 million annually in revenue.   The system also contains healthy wildlife populations that include marine mammals (manatee, dolphin), diverse waterbirds, and sea turtles. 

Background Information :

This position is based at the Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS) and is located in Cedar Key, Florida, approximately 60 miles from the main UF campus. The station houses both faculty and biological scientist researchers, and faculty collaborate with multiple departments on the main campus. 

Commensurate with Education and Experience

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in biology, ecology or a closely related discipline is required.  Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, teaching experience, 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 IFAS core values of excellence, diversity, global involvement, and accountability.

Postdoctoral experience is desirable.  Strong quantitative skills coupled with field skills and natural history knowledge are preferred, which could include advanced statistical methods, population and community modeling, evaluation of trophic-dynamic linkages in coastal/aquatic food webs, coupling of physical and biological processes in coastal systems, or quantitative assessment of habitat quality and quantity for fish and/or wildlife populations in coastal and riverine systems.  Teaching experience is preferred. 

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit additional materials by April 21, 2023.  The position will 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 # 526025

Dr. Laura Reynolds, Search and Screen Committee Chair

Department of Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences

2181 McCarty Hall, PO Box 110290
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611

(352) 294-3165
(352) 392-3399 fax

email: LKReynolds@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
• Research statement
• Teaching statement
• Diversity statement
• Names and contact information for three references 
• Unofficial transcript showing receipt of the doctoral degree

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 dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.