Unleash Your Potential With Us

As a next-generation public research institution, we are an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to shape the future and solve the world’s most challenging problems. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you become an integral part of our mission to become a university for the future. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with uniquely talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses and regional locations. That means greater challenges to tackle, more meaningful opportunities to grow, and rewarding experiences that go beyond a paycheck.

The Opportunity

The Faculty Cluster Initiative (FCI) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is recruiting one 9-month tenured associate professor or professor who will serve as the lead for the Genomics and Bioinformatics Cluster (GBC), (https://www.ucf.edu/research/genomics-bioinformatics/ ). The GBC is looking for a proven leader to foster the continued expansion of research programs in genomics and bioinformatics that are enabled by next-generation sequencing technologies and that address one or more areas among molecular evolution, biodiversity, microbiome research (environmental and plant/animal health), biological model systems, infectious diseases, translational applications for cancer, computational biology, systems biology, machine learning, and data mining. Strong candidates in other areas of genomics will also be considered.

This position has an anticipated start date of August 8, 2024.

An ideal candidate will have a strong background in genomics and bioinformatics, as well as computational approaches used to analyze large genomic datasets. The candidate should have demonstrable leadership experience, preferably with multidisciplinary teams, a strong research publication record, and demonstrated independent and interdisciplinary research funding.

The Genomics and Bioinformatics Cluster lead can join any of three tenure home departments – The Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences (College of Medicine), Biology (College of Sciences), or Computer Science (College of Engineering and Computer Science). Joint or secondary joint appointments among these departments is possible as appropriate to qualifications and interest. The cluster lead will be expected to develop a research program that strengthens their tenure home department and the cluster.

UCF is one of the nation's largest universities with a diverse student body of approximately 68,000 students, offering 240 degree programs across multiple campuses and UCF connect centers in the Orlando area. UCF has grown substantially in size, quality, diversity, and reputation in its first 50 years. UCF is an economic engine, attracting and supporting industries vital to the region's future while providing students with real-world experiences that help them succeed after graduation.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree from an accredited institution in an area appropriate to this position.

To be eligible for appointment as a tenured associate professor or professor upon hire, the selected candidate must have a demonstrated record of teaching, research, service, and leadership commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment in the applicable tenure home. Evidence of such a record could be demonstrated by holding the rank of tenured associate professor or professor at the candidate’s current institution.

Also required is a strong and consistent scholarly and/or funding record from the NIH, NSF, or other equivalent agencies in genomics and bioinformatics, and demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary research and/or education programs, potentially evidenced by currently holding, or previously having held, a leadership position at the candidate’s current or previous academic institution.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the leadership and research track record noted above, an ideal candidate will also have proficient teaching skills and demonstrated effective communication skills with both graduate and undergraduate students, whether in large or small audiences.

Preference will be given to candidates at the rank of professor, but experienced associate professors will also be considered.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/ .  In addition to the online application, candidates should upload a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae, and a list with contact information for three (3) professional references. In the cover letter, candidates should address their background in genomics and bioinformatics, their leadership experience, and identify the anticipated department(s) for their potential tenure home.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to:  Shaojie Zhang, Search Committee Chair, at Shaojie.Zhang@ucf.edu .

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

N/A

Job Close Date:

Open until filled.

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as ‘Open until filled ’ may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Are Benefits Important to You?

Working at UCF has its perks!  In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, UCF offers:

• Benefit packages including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, healthcare flexible spending accounts, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off, including annual and sick leave and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando area attractions.
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment.

And more…For more benefits information, go to ‘Prospective Employees’ on the UCF Human Resources website (https://hr.ucf.edu/ ).

Who Are We?

Founded in 1963 to fuel the region’s talent pipeline and support the growing U.S. space program, UCF is built to make a better future for our students and society. It’s one of the reasons U.S. News & World Report ranks UCF among the nation’s top 20 most innovative colleges, while Forbes, Kiplinger , and The Princeton Review rank us a best-value university. UCF is one of 14 universities nationwide designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Research 1 university. With 13 colleges, including a fully accredited College of Medicine, UCF offers more than 240 degree programs between its main campus, downtown campus, hospitality campus, academic health sciences campus, and 11 UCF Connect centers located throughout the region. In addition, UCF extends its reach to communities in and beyond Central Florida by offering complete, online programs leading to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, Ph.D.'s., certificates, and more.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of higher education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to employment in research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty positions (including employed visiting positions), graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, postdoctoral scholar positions, and undergraduate positions.

Department

Office Of Research, Research Centers & Institutes, College Of Graduate Studies, And Burnett Honors College HR Business Center

Work Schedule

Varies

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, UCF encourages all qualified applicants to apply, including women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of traditionally underrepresented populations. UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement can be viewed at  http://www.oie.ucf.edu/documents/PresidentsStatement.pdf.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.