Assistant Professor of Biology - Tenure-Track

University of West Florida; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of West Florida seeks two tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Biology for the Pensacola campus, starting August 2027. The department welcomes collaborative scholars who will contribute to teaching and research across undergraduate and graduate programs.

Successful candidates will teach, advise, and develop independent research programs with external funding opportunities, mentoring students at multiple levels, on a nine-month, full-time basis.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology or closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Potential for developing an externally funded independent research program.
• Experience with undergraduate and master's level teaching, emphasizing evidence-based learning.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biology.
• Mentor students in classroom and laboratory settings.
• Establish and sustain a rigorous, independent research program and pursue external funding.
• Provide hands-on research training opportunities for undergraduate and master's students.

Skills

Independent research

Grant writing

Teaching

Education

Ph.D. in Biology or closely related discipline

Job description

Assistant Professor of Biology - Two Tenure-Track Positions

Job Summary

The Department of Biology at the University of West Florida (UWF) in Pensacola, Florida invites applications for two full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor positions beginning August 2027 (Position #120800 and #113310; a single application will be considered for both positions). We seek collaborative scientists who will complement and expand the department's existing strengths in teaching and research.

Candidates working broadly within one or more of the following strategic areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Computational and big-data biology - including bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, and biological applications of artificial intelligence tools.
• Biomedical and molecular biology - including disease biology, developmental biology, biochemistry, host-pathogen interactions, and molecular genetics.
• Integrative, organismal, and environmental biology - including marine and fisheries biology, environmental genomics, whole-organism physiology, ecology, and behavior.

Candidates in other areas of biology will also be considered when their expertise complements existing departmental strengths and advances departmental teaching and research priorities.

The successful candidates will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biology and mentor students in classroom and laboratory settings. In addition to teaching and university service, candidates will establish and sustain a rigorous, independent research program, pursue external funding, and provide hands-on research training opportunities for undergraduate and master's students. Duties will be carried out on the UWF Pensacola campus.

Learn more about the Department of Biology at www.uwf.edu/hmcse/departments/biology

The Department of Biology is a collegial and growing department within the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, with a strong culture of mentorship and hands-on student research. Faculty pursue a broad range of research areas including molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology. The department is housed in modern facilities with research laboratories and a state-of-the-art, $26 million Laboratory Sciences Annex featuring teaching laboratories. Faculty members maintain active research laboratories, and shared instrumentation supports a wide range of biological and biomedical research. Faculty actively engage with campus centers and interdisciplinary programs to build collaborative research and training opportunities. As a Research 2: High Spending and Doctorate Production institution, UWF offers a supportive environment for faculty developing competitive, student-centered research programs.

Review of applications will begin October 15, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive full consideration; however, the positions will remain open, and applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in biology or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution, or international equivalent, by the start date of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of, or strong potential for, developing an independent and externally funded research program.
• Evidence of research productivity appropriate to career stage, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, effective undergraduate and master's level teaching, emphasizing evidence-based, hands-on, and inquiry-based learning.
• Research expertise that complements or expands existing departmental strengths.
• Potential for interdisciplinary collaboration within the Department of Biology and across UWF.

Application Materials

• Cover Letter (maximum length of two pages) specifying strategic research area(s) and alignment with departmental priorities.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Research Statement (maximum length of two pages) outlining short- and long-term objectives and external funding plans.
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy (maximum length of two pages) focusing on pedagogical approaches, course delivery, and student learning outcomes.
• Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire).
• Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least three professional references.

The University of West Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Disabled/Veteran employer. Any individual requiring special accommodation to apply is requested to advise UWF by contacting UWF Human Resources at 850.474.2694. E-Verify is required for employment. All applications for employment at the University are subject to Florida public records law.