Assistant Professor

The Opportunity

The Department of Biology at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for the position of a nine-month tenure track, Assistant Professor, Aquatic Ecologist anticipated to begin August 2026. All areas of aquatic ecology will be considered, including population, community, or ecosystem ecology in freshwater or marine environments. Successful candidates must have a demonstrated ability or strong potential to establish and maintain a vigorous, extramurally funded research program, facilitate collaborations, and complement departmental strengths. They will be expected to contribute to teaching and mentoring students in our undergraduate and graduate programs. The instructional duties and services assignments are in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy. A demonstrated ability to collaborate with other disciplines and the potential to strengthen research and course offerings in freshwater ecology is preferred.

The Department of Biology blends contemporary research and dynamic teaching from a broad-based curriculum. We have successfully trained thousands of undergraduate students for a range of biology careers, fostering a strong foundation in the life sciences and equipping them with critical thinking skills. Many classes engage High Impact Practices, offering students opportunities to receive hands-on experience in the field and pursue a graduate education through a master’s program in Biology and a Ph.D. program in Integrative and Conservation Biology.  Our facilities include a genomics core laboratory, an on-campus transgenic greenhouse, walk-in growth chamber, research hoophouses, herbarium, research field plots, and 800 acres of natural lands and wetlands. Our faculty and research scientists are actively addressing environmental challenges through novel research—from coastal restoration to marine turtle conversation, boldly shaping a better future. For more information, please see https://sciences.ucf.edu/biology.

UCF College of Sciences

The UCF College of Sciences (COS) is the largest college at UCF and a powerhouse for the regional and national STEM workforce, spanning the natural, computational, physical, and social sciences and housing centers, institutes and initiatives that serve as hubs for research and innovation. Through sharing and applying knowledge, COS is cultivating pathways for students to solve our world’s most pressing and complex problems. With a mission to provide a world-class education in an environment where faculty, staff, and students thrive, research flourishes, and our community prospers; a number of COS academic programs are among those nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Princeton Review, and others.

For more information, please visit https://sciences.ucf.edu.

UCF, named one of the most innovative public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, is located in Orlando, Florida and is classified as a Very High Research Activity university by the Carnegie Foundation. With more than 70,000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the country, offering more than 240 degree programs. 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. For more information, visit http://www.ucf.edu.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in biology or a related field from an accredited institution at the time of application.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will show: (a) experience in freshwater systems, (b) postdoctoral training or relevant work experience, (c) potential to develop and maintain an extramurally funded research program including research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, (d) research experience that complements department strengths, and (e) commitment to inclusive excellence in teaching, effective student mentoring, and strong academic support for our diverse student population.

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, interested applicants should upload a single PDF document that includes: (1) a cover letter that explains the applicant’s research program and how it complements current departmental expertise; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a statement of research interests and plans (limit two pages); (4) a teaching statement including potential courses the candidate could teach or develop (limit two pages).

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

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts and as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Michelle Gaither, Chair of the Search Committee at [email protected]. Please include "R111825 Assistant Professor, Aquatic Ecologist" in the subject line.  

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

N/A

Job Close Date:

11/13/2025

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program. 

• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.

• Retirement savings options. 

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions. 

• Education assistance.

• Flexible work environment. 

• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

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 education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

College of Sciences (COS) - Biological Sciences

Work Schedule

Varied

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

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

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email [email protected].

For general application or posting questions, please email [email protected].