Assistant Professor in Ecology of the Microbiome

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. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a robust, externally funded research program and contribute to both undergraduate and graduate education in microbial ecology within the Department. The anticipated start date for this position is August 16, 2023.

We seek a faculty member whose research uses an ecological lens to investigate animal and/or environmental microbiomes . Possible focus areas might include the role of microbes in driving biogeochemistry and ecosystem function, modeling of community interactions, eco-evolutionary processes, synthesis of micro and macro systems (e.g., interplay of within-host microbiomes and external microbial communities), or the use of ecological theory in understanding microbiome stability in the context of global change. This hire will bridge research in the Department of Biology from microbial to ecosystem ecology that may lead to collaborations with the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, the Genetics Institute, the Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, among other departments. This person would be expected to contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in ecology and in their area of specialty, including lab and field-based classes.

The Department of Biology has strengths in computational biology, developmental biology, ecology, and evolution and seeks collaborative applicants who can contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. Please see https://diversity.biology.ufl.edu for more information about diversity and inclusion in the Department of Biology. The Department has a close association with the Florida Museum of Natural History and with other related units in the University including the Biodiversity Institute.

The University of Florida, situated in Gainesville in North Central Florida, is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is ranked as a top public US university. Gainesville is located midway between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico and is easily accessible to three major metropolitan areas (Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa). The University has core facilities including outstanding computational facilities (“Hipergator3’) and an array of research stations (Ordway-Swisher, NCBS Seahorse Key Marine Lab, Whitney Lab, IFAS – PSREU, Austin Cary Forest, and others) that represent opportunities for research and teaching throughout the state.

The Department of Biology particularly welcomes applicants who can contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. Please see https://diversity.clas.ufl.edu/diversity-statement/ for more information about diversity and inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The university and greater Gainesville communities enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Expected Salary:

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.

Minimum Requirements:

The qualifications for this position are a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field by the start date.

Preferred Qualifications:
Ecology of the Microbiome

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, 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, (2) a complete curriculum vitae, (3) a 1-2-page Research Statement, (4) a 1-2-page Teaching Statement, (5) a 1-2-page Diversity Statement focused on inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility; and (6) a list of at least three references. The Research, Teaching, and Diversity Statements should each provide specific details on prior experience/accomplishments and future goals/plans. After initial review, confidential letters of recommendation will be requested from references.

Applications will be reviewed beginning December 1, 2022, 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.

Final candidate will be required to provide 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), 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.

The University of Florida is An Equal Employment Opportunity Institution. 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). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

Health Assessment Required:
No