Assistant Professor of Biology

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The University of Florida in Gainesville invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology. This position emphasizes theoretical and quantitative approaches to the ecology and evolution of infectious disease, with teaching contributions to undergraduate ecology and evolution and opportunities to mentor students.

Required is a PhD in Biology or closely related fields, with a strong mathematical or computational background and a commitment to collaboration

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Computational Biology, Applied Mathematics or Biomathematics, or related field

Responsibilities

• Conduct theoretical and quantitative research on the ecology and evolution of infectious disease.
• Establish an externally funded research program.
• Collaborate across departments and institutes and mentor students.

Education

PhD in Biology/Computational Biology/Applied Mathematics/Biomathematics

Job description

Assistant Professor of Biology

Job No: 541129

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Education/Training/Instructional Design

Department: 16900000 - LS-BIOLOGY

Job Description

Classification Title: Assistant Professor

Classification Minimum Requirements: PhD in Biology, Computational Biology, Applied Mathematics or Biomathematics, or related field

Tenure-track Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease

The Department of Biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at the University of Florida invites applicants for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level focused on theoretical and quantitative approaches to the ecology and evolution of infectious disease. We are seeking an exceptional scholar to establish an externally funded research program to investigate fundamental questions on the dynamics of infectious disease and host-parasite systems using mathematical, quantitative or computational approaches. The position is aimed at deepening our theoretical and mathematical understanding of infectious disease systems, but we are open to applicants engaged in collaborative research at any level of biological organization, from cells to ecosystems, and in any system (e.g., marine, terrestrial, freshwater, human).This research program would ideally be broadly collaborative in nature, include both undergraduate and graduate students, and complement existing strengths in theoretical ecology and evolution in the department and across campus.Teaching could include contributions to the undergraduate curriculum in ecology and evolution, and specialized courses such as theoretical infectious disease biology, and the evolution of pathogens.

The successful candidate would have an opportunity to interact with researchers in a wide variety of programs and units related to infectious disease at the University of Florida, including the UF Emerging Pathogens Institute, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the UF Genetics Institute, the UF Biodiversity Institute, the UF Informatics Institute, the Center for Statistics and Quantitative Infectious Diseases in the College of Medicine, the One Health Center of Excellence in the College of Public Health, the Department of Plant Pathology and other departments in the Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, and the Departments of Physics, Geography, and Mathematics (among others) within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The candidate would have access to extraordinary data management and analysis resources, including one of the nation's most powerful supercomputers.

UF is the state's oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land grant university with an enrollment of over 50,000 students. UF is located in Gainesville, a city of approximately 150,000 residents in North-Central Florida, 50 miles from the Gulf, and 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and within a 2-hour drive to large metropolitan areas (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville). The beautiful climate and extensive nearby parks and recreational areas afford year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and nature photography. UF's museums, and performing arts center support a range of activities and cultural events for residents to enjoy. Alachua County schools are highly rated and offer a variety of programs including magnet schools and an international baccalaureate program. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at Visit Gainesville.

Expected Salary

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.

Benefits

Benefits: This faculty position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes state medical, dental, and vision plans; life and disability coverage; multiple retirement options; and paid time away and university holidays. Learn more about UF faculty benefits here.

Required Qualifications

PhD in Biology, Computational Biology, Applied Mathematics or Biomathematics, or related field

Special Instructions to Applicants

A complete application includes:

• Letter of application summarizing the applicant's qualifications, interests, and suitability for the position
• A complete curriculum vitae
• A statement of teaching philosophy
• A research statement

The names and email addresses of three references must be provided. References will be asked by email to provide a letter after an initial screening process.

Review of complete applications will begin on October 16, 2026, but applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority. The position will remain open until filled. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Chair of the search committee, Dr. José-Miguel Ponciano at [e-mail].

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

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 require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:No

Applications Close: 31 October 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. 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.