Classification Title: Assistant Professor
Job Description:
The Department of Biology at the University of Florida invites applications for a full-time, nine-month tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor in the broad field of Marine Invertebrate Biodiversity. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a robust, externally-funded research program, teach the undergraduate course Invertebrate Biodiversity and contribute to undergraduate and graduate education in Marine Biology within the Department of Biology. The anticipated start date for this position is August 16, 2024.
We anticipate that candidates for this position would investigate open questions in marine invertebrate biodiversity, using contemporary and comparative approaches. We interpret ‘biodiversity’ broadly to include all aspects of biology and marine biology from molecules to ecosystems. Marine invertebrates hold a deep diversity of animal life and have become more accessible as technological advances across disciplines have empowered research in many areas hitherto reserved for a small number of model animals. We seek to hire a researcher that uses marine invertebrates as the primary focus of their research, leveraging their broad diversity in a comparative framework to extend the impact of their research. Although the position is based primarily in the Department of Biology, there are opportunities for collaboration across neighboring and associated divisions, including but not limited to Whitney Laboratory for Marine Biosciences, the Nature Coast Biological Station, and the Florida Museum of Natural History, and other related institutes, e.g., Florida Institute of Oceanography.
The candidate will be expected to teach the undergraduate course Invertebrate Biodiversity, a required class for most Marine Sciences majors. Additionally, the successful candidate will be expected to develop new courses (those that incorporate lab and field teaching are preferred) and teach existing courses to support this growing undergraduate major.
The Department of Biology has strengths in computational biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, ecology, physiology and evolution and seeks collaborative applicants who can contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to use outstanding facilities and infrastructure at UF, including one of the fastest GPU AI supercomputers in academia (HiPerGator: https://www.rc.ufl.edu/about/hipergator/) and a comprehensive genomics and biotechnology core service center at the UF ICBR (https://biotech.ufl.edu/), and one of the largest marine invertebrate collections in the world at the Florida Museum of Natural History (https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/iz/).
UF is the state’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land grant university with an enrollment of over 50,000 students and was ranked 6th in the country among public universities (US News and World Report 2023 rankings), and 1st among public institutions in the Wall Street Journal 2023 survey. UF is located in Gainesville, a city of approximately 150,000 residents in North-Central Florida, 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, and 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and within a 2-hour drive to large metropolitan areas (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville). The beautiful climate and extensive nearby parks and recreational areas afford year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and nature photography. UF’s large college sports programs, museums, and performing arts center support a range of activities and cultural events for residents to enjoy. Alachua County schools are highly rated and offer a variety of programs including magnet schools and an international baccalaureate program. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at Visit Gainesville.
Expected Salary:
The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.
Employment Benefits include:
Health Insurance: UF participates in state- and university-sponsored benefits programs for individuals, families, and domestic partners, and offers voluntary insurance that includes vision, dental, long-term disability and more.
Retirement Options: Attractive options include Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Florida Retirement System Investment Plan, and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan.
Leave: UF staff enjoy a generous paid leave plan as well as access to a sick-leave pool, parental leave, and leave payouts.
Minimum Requirements:
Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Biology or a relevant discipline by August 16, 2024.
Preferred Qualifications:
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applications must be submitted online. Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.
A complete application includes (1) a letter of application summarizing the applicant's qualifications, interests, and suitability for the position (up to 2 pages), (2) a complete curriculum vitae, (3) a statement on research goals (up to 2 pages), (4) a statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy, and courses the candidate would be interested in developing for our Marine Sciences major (up to 2 pages), and (5) contact information for at least three references. After initial review, confidential letters of recommendation will be requested from references.
Applications will be reviewed beginning January 2nd, 2024, and the position will remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be reviewed at this time. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority.
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.
The 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 educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law. If an accommodation due to disability is needed in order to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).
The Department of Biology is committed to promoting an environment that welcomes all abilities, classes, ethnicities/races, gender identities and expressions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service.
Health Assessment Required: No
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