| Job Description: |
The Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment (ESSIE) at the University of Florida http://www.essie.ufl.edu/ within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) is s soliciting applications for the position of Director of the Center for Coastal Solutions (CCS). This is a tenure-track, full-time, nine-month faculty appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in Environmental Engineering Science OR Civil and Coastal Engineering.
The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) at the University of Florida (UF) invites applications for a visionary new director of the UF Center for Coastal Solutions (CCS; http://ccs.eng.ufl.edu) to drive innovation and expand the impact of university-led R&D in support of sustainable solutions to coastal science and engineering challenges. The mission of the CCS is to develop and deliver the best-available science and tools to support decision-making for a healthy and resilient coastal future. To do so, the center collaborates with a diverse team of ecologists, engineers, hydrologists, data scientists, urban planners, designers, and other experts to advance understanding of coastal ecosystems, generate innovative solutions. Since its inception in 2020, CCS faculty have been awarded more than $36 million in total funding (including $26 million in federal grants), published 135 articles in leading journals, and gained national and international visibility for their collaborative work with more than 50 research partners and sponsors. The CCS is dedicated to addressing complex coastal challenges through interdisciplinary research, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships. Key focus areas include developing advanced coastal intelligence and decision support tools; nature-based solutions to enhance coastal resilience; forecasting coastal hazards using AI and supercomputing to predict and manage events such as harmful algal blooms and severe storms; and optimizing water quality decisions by developing tools to identify root causes of water quality issues and simulate effective solutions.
Administrative duties of the CCS Director include the following:
- Provide visionary leadership to CCS, setting strategic directions and goals aligned with its mission.
- Facilitate collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects and secure funding for large-scale initiatives.
- Expand partnerships with academic, government, and industry stakeholders to enhance CCS’s impact.
- Oversee the development and implementation of innovative coastal solutions, including technology transfer and workforce development initiatives.
- Manage the CCS budget, personnel, and resources to ensure effective operations.
- Promote CCS as a national and international leader in coastal solutions through public engagement and scholarly activities.
With over 8,000 miles of coastline, Florida is home to diverse and dynamic coastal ecosystems that support a rapidly growing population and robust economy. The state faces unique challenges related to climate change, sea-level rise, and environmental stressors, making it an ideal living laboratory for innovative research and solutions. These factors provide unparalleled opportunities for the Center for Coastal Solutions to lead in addressing global coastal resilience and sustainability through groundbreaking science and impactful partnerships.
The University of Florida is strategically positioned to maintain a leadership role nationwide in coastal research and sustainability. The University of Florida is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is highly ranked by multiple news outlets. UF is currently ranked as one of the best public universities, 7th according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report of Best Colleges. UF is home to HiPerGator, the nation’s third-ranked university supercomputer. The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is expanding its faculty and state-of-the-art research and education facilities with a focus on AI and advanced computing to enhance research in coastal and environmental solutions. The Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology, a 260,000 sq feet facility that serves as the hub for Artificial Intelligence, opened in Fall 2023. The College will reach 300 faculty members this year. For more information about our college initiatives, please visit http://eng.ufl.edu. The University and College are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent by valuing diversity of thought, skill, and experience. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe in fostering environments where team members feel included, valued for their differences, and empowered to do their best work.
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| Preferred Qualifications: |
Ideal applicants should possess a strong background in the following areas:
- Outstanding record or excellence in research and teaching commensurate with appointment to Associate Professor or Professor.
- Exceptional leadership, decision-making, management and communications skills to:
- Inspire and guide the CCS to work collaboratively to achieve ambitious, shared goals.
- Foster a radically collaborative inter- and transdisciplinary research environment.
- Strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, including academia, government, NGO, and industry.
- Oversee and manage CCS budgets, resources, and personnel effectively.
- Proven success in:
- Securing, leading, and managing large-scale, multi-investigator research grants
- Developing impactful solutions for coastal resilience and sustainability challenges
- Building extensive professional networks and collaborations
- Guiding and supporting workforce development
- International leader in coastal science or engineering as recognized by awards, honors, and/or service.
- Applicants from careers outside of academia are encouraged to apply, provided they hold a PhD, have a strong record of leadership and funding, and satisfy the requirements listed above.
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| Special Instructions to Applicants: |
The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately with the first full committee screening occurring on January 31, 2025, and will continue to receive applications until the position is filled. You must apply by submitting an application through UFCareers via https://jobs.hr.ufl.edu/. (Job 534564). The application consists of attached PDF files of the following required documents: The application consists of attached PDF files of the following required documents: 1. Cover letter (summary of qualifications) 2. Curriculum vitae 3. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of no less than three and up to five references. Additional documents should be uploaded as one PDF to the “other documents” selection in the application. 4. Candidates should also prepare a CCS vision statement and plan, with their individual research statement and identification of any current synergies of their research with CCS. The anticipated start date for this position is Fall 2025. With some flexibility for a later start date based on individual needs. For further questions, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. David Kaplan at dkaplan@ufl.edu.
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 are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
If 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.
The University of Florida is committed to nondiscrimination 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, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.
Questions about this position may be directed to Dr. David Kaplan, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, 365 Weil Hall, P.O. Box 116580, Gainesville, FL 32611-6580.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
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