The Department of Biology at the University of Central Florida (UCF)
invites applications for the position of tenure track Assistant
Professor, Plant Physiology (9-month appointment), anticipated to
begin Fall 2026. We seek a broadly trained, integrative botanist
who will use innovative approaches to develop a high-quality research
program in plant physiology. All disciplines of plant physiology will be
considered, from molecular to ecological to evolutionary, in terrestrial
or aquatic environments, focusing on any plant or algal taxa. Focal
work on agricultural crops, while not preferred, will be considered
if it demonstrates an explicit connection to fundamental biological
processes. In particular, the ideal candidate will contribute courses to
the Plant Science track within the biology major and expand undergraduate
research opportunities in plant physiology. The instructional duties and
services assignments are in accordance with the department’s current
equitable workload policy.
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:
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in life sciences from an accredited
institution by the time of application.
Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will: (a) show potential to develop and maintain
a vigorous, extramurally funded research program including research
opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students; (b) show
commitment to excellence in teaching, effective student mentoring,
and strong academic support for our student population; (c) complement
department strengths; (d) demonstrate an ability to collaborate with
other disciplines; and (e) will have postdoctoral training or comparable
work experience.
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 candidates 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. Barbara
Sharanowski, Chair of the Search Committee at Barb.Sharanowski@ucf.edu
and must include “R111788 Assistant Professor, Plant Physiology” 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 onac@ucf.edu.
For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.
Anna Savage
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