Ast/Aso Prof

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. 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 .

We are seeking a dynamic scholar, educator, and communicator for a 9-month tenure-accruing appointment available in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (WEC), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. Applications at the associate professor level will be considered. The appointment will be 40% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and 60% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station). 

Our department recognizes the need for quantitative expertise in ecological and conservation research and decision making in natural resources at the state, regional, national, and international arenas. Importantly, such expertise will enhance our student learning in quantitative approaches to studying ecology and conservation. This hire is expected to further cement our department as a national leader in animal and plant sciences and contribute to UF’s reputation as an outstanding institution for natural resources research and education. We are an inclusive wildlife program that encompasses both basic and applied research involving a wide breadth of organisms.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assigned responsibilities will include: (1) Developing an internationally recognized research program that incorporates broadly defined quantitative approaches in the study of ecology and conservation; (2) teaching 2 courses annually in the general area of quantitative ecology, including WIS 4601 Quantitative Wildlife Ecology, a core course in our undergraduate curriculum. This course covers experimental design, data visualization, parametric statistics, and a variety of modeling approaches for abundance, survival, and occupancy estimation. The successful applicant will also develop a course in the area of their expertise.

We are seeking candidates who excel in applying and/or developing quantitative methods to advance the study of wildlife ecology and conservation. Examples of qualified candidates include: 1) those who emphasize quantitative analysis for the study of wildlife populations and communities such as capture-mark-recapture frameworks, modeling of unmarked populations, or community/ecosystem level quantitative analyses; 2) those who use and develop data integration methods and Bayesian modeling to assess and study population, community or landscape ecology; 3) those who apply and/or develop tools in artificial intelligence disciplines (deep learning, neural networks, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision) for studying ecological systems.

The successful candidate will also engage in activities related to instruction, including teaching, mentoring, and supervising undergraduate and graduate students in research and creative work, curriculum revision and enhancement, and engaging in professional teaching development activities, for which there are many resources available to UF faculty.

Because of the IFAS land-grant mission, all faculty are expected to be supportive of and engaged in three mission areas—Research, Teaching and Extension—regardless of the assignment split specified in the position description.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

A doctorate (PhD or DPhil) (foreign equivalent acceptable) from a relevant field is required. We expect some formal training in ecology and/or conservation biology to be demonstrated. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to teaching, mentoring, and promoting a varied educational and professional environment. They should show willingness to work with natural resource agencies, NGOs, and other interested parties. Candidates will demonstrate their skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships across cultures, and commitment to grantsmanship. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.  Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

Preferred qualifications/attributes: While meeting the required qualifications is the foundation for consideration, we are particularly interested in candidates who display excellence in one or more of the following:

1. Quantitative research: application, adaptation, and/or development of statistical, mathematical, or machine learning/AI methods and tools in wildlife ecology and conservation.
2. Publication record: a strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, showing potential to develop a research program that complements and expands on the department's current strengths.
3. Technological knowledge: advanced knowledge of modern research tools such as statistical software, GIS, Remote Sensing, AI, or other specialized analytical and writing tools.
4. Interdisciplinary collaboration: bridging gaps between ecology and other disciplines particularly other quantitative fields such as applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, and/or engineering.
5. Leadership experience: roles within organizations/projects that demonstrate interpersonal and organizational skills.
6. Local expertise: familiarity with the ecosystems and wildlife of Florida and the Southern U.S.
7. Global perspective: bringing a broad perspective to local topics or issues; extrapolating research results beyond immediate projects.
8. Professional recognition: grants, awards, speaking engagements, professional appointments.

Review of application materials will begin on February 14, 2025 and will continue until a viable applicant pool is established. Interviews are expected to begin in March 2025.

Employment Conditions

The projected start date for this position is August 2025. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

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 # 534504

Brett Scheffers

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

PO Box 110430

Gainesville, FL 32605

Telephone:                                         352-846-0570

Facsimile:                                           352-392-6984

Electronic Mail:                              brett.scheffers@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
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

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 Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

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.