Assistant or Associate Professor Space Biology​/Astrobiology

Assistant or Associate Professor Space Biology / Astrobiology

Job No: 539530

Work Type:
Full Time

Location:

Brevard

Categories:
Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences, Physical/Mathematical Sciences

Department:  - AG-MICROBIOLOGY - CELL SCI

Ast/Aso Prof

Candidates for this rank shall hold the highest degree appropriate to their field and demonstrate successful experience pertinent to the position and the goals of the academic unit.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed, please call  or the Florida Relay System at  (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

This 9‑month tenure‑accruing position will be 30% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and 70% research in the Microbiology and Cell Science Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (Space Life Sciences Laboratory, Merritt Island FL). Duties include teaching a 3‑credit course in space life sciences to undergraduate and graduate students annually, training PhD students, and contributing to the graduate curriculum.

The incumbent will assist with curriculum development for new BS, MS, and PhD programs in space sciences across campus and teach courses within these programs. Research in space biology, space biomanufacturing, and/or astrobiology (e.g., extremophile research) is of particular interest. The position accrues in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science. The faculty member will seek contract and grant funding to support their program, with federal competitive grant support being particularly important, and engage in extension activities.

The successful candidate will engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, including teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses, advising and mentoring students, participating in curriculum revision and enhancement, seeking funding for the teaching program, supervising research and creative work, publishing teaching-related scholarship, producing learning tools, and engaging in professional development activities. 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.

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of the Association of American Universities. The Microbiology and Cell Science Department has a strong research focus and is supported by external funding sources, including NASA.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in the life sciences with strong background and experience in any aspect of space biology and/or astrobiology
• Demonstrated skills in verbal/written communication and procurement of extramural funding
• Supportive of the Land-Grant system mission
• Commitment to UF core values
• Experience publishing peer-reviewed papers as first author

• Postdoctoral experience
• Successful grantsmanship

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.

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 are welcome. Nominations must include the complete name and address of the nominee. This information should be sent to:

Dr. Brent

C. Christner
Professor, Chair, Search and Screen Committee
University of Florida
Microbiology and Cell Science Department
1355 Museum Drive
Gainesville,…