Assistant or Associate Professor – Space Biology / Astrobiology

University Of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in Gainesville, Florida seeks an Assistant or Associate Professor in Space Biology/Astrobiology. This tenure-track position involves 30% teaching and 70% research, including developing courses and seeking funding for projects in space life sciences. Required qualifications include a doctorate in life sciences and a strong background in space biology or astrobiology. The role requires effective communication skills and experience in publishing peer-reviewed work. The position is available January 2027 with applications open until filled.

Qualifications

• Doctorate required in life sciences with experience in space biology or astrobiology.
• Demonstrated skills in communication and extramural funding procurement.
• Experience publishing peer-reviewed papers as first author is essential.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 3-credit course in space life sciences annually.
• Engage in curriculum development for BS, MS, and PhD programs.
• Conduct research in space biology and astrobiology.

Skills

Strong background in space biology

Experience in astrobiology

Verbal and written communication skills

Successful grantsmanship

Education

Doctorate in life sciences

Job description

Assistant or Associate Professor – Space Biology / Astrobiology

Apply now Job no: 539530
Work type: Tenure-Track Faculty
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences, Physical/Mathematical Sciences
Department: 60100000 - AG-MICROBIOLOGY - CELL SCI

Candidates for this rank shall hold the highest degree appropriate to their field. A candidate shall be expected to demonstrate successful experience pertinent to the position they are being recommended and have demonstrated qualities relevant to the goals of the academic unit in which they will be employed.

This is a 9-month tenure-accruing position that will be 30% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and 70% research available in the Microbiology and Cell Science Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Duties will include teaching a 3-credit course in space life sciences to students at the undergraduate and graduate levels annually, training PhD students, and contributing to the graduate curriculum. The incumbent will also assist with curriculum development for new BS, MS, and PhD programs in space sciences currently being formed across campus and teach courses within these programs. Research related to the fields of space biology, space biomanufacturing, and/or astrobiology (e.g. extremophile research) are of particular interest. Tenure will accrue in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science. The faculty member will seek contract and grant funding actively to support their program, with federal competitive grant support being particularly important. The faculty member will engage in extension activities in their program area.

The successful candidate will engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, including teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses, advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, participating in curriculum revision and enhancement, seeking funding for the teaching program, supervising undergraduate and graduate research and creative work, publishing teaching‑related scholarship, producing learning tools, and engaging in professional development activities related to teaching and advising. Faculty are encouraged to support and participate in the CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education.

Because of the IFAS land‑grant mission, all faculty are expected to be supportive of and engaged in all three mission areas—research, teaching and extension—regardless of the assignment split specified in the position description.

Required Qualifications:
A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in the life sciences with a strong background and experience in any aspect of space biology and/or astrobiology is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal/written communication and procurement of extramural funding. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land‑Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. Experience in publishing peer‑reviewed papers as first authors is essential.

Preferred:
Postdoctoral experience is desirable. Successful grantsmanship is preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by August 23, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions

This position is available January 2027 and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is identified. 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 # 539530

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Microbiology and Cell Science Department

• 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
• Contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
• Research statement with a maximum of 1,500 words
• Teaching statement with a maximum of 1,000 words

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. An official transcript is defined as one that does not display a designation of “Issued to Student”. Degrees earned from an institution outside 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 U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year‑round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Health Assessment Required:
No

Advertised: 14 Apr 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.