Assistant or Associate Professor Space Biology​/Astrobiology

Position Overview

Assistant or Associate Professor Space Biology / Astrobiology. Job No: 539530. Work Type:
Full Time.

Location:

Brevard. Department:  - AG-MICROBIOLOGY - CELL SCI. Job Classification:
Ast/Aso Prof.

• 9-month tenure-accruing position in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Microbiology and Cell Science Department (Space Life Sciences Laboratory, Merritt Island, FL).
• Teach a 3-credit course in space life sciences to undergraduate and graduate students annually; train PhD students and contribute to the graduate curriculum; assist with curriculum development for new BS, MS, and PhD programs in space sciences being formed across campus; teach courses within these programs.
• Engage in research related to space biology, space biomanufacturing, and/or astrobiology (e.g., extremophile research).
• Seek contract and grant funding to support the program, with emphasis on federal competitive funding; engage in extension activities related to the program.
• Engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, including teaching and advising; participate in curriculum revision, development of learning tools, and professional development in teaching and advising.
• Support and participate in CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education; contribute to the land-grant mission of research, teaching, and extension.

• Required:
  
  Doctorate (foreign equivalents acceptable) in the life sciences with a strong background and experience in space biology and/or astrobiology; demonstrated skills in verbal/written communication and securing extramural funding; commitment to UF core values; experience publishing peer-reviewed papers as first author.
• Preferred:
  Postdoctoral experience; record of successful grant acquisition.

• Background: UF is a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution; expectations align with IFAS and CALS missions; NASA is a major external funder; location emphasizes space sciences and astrobiology opportunities.
• Salary:
  Commensurate with education and experience.
• Location availability:
  Position available January 2027; open until a viable applicant pool is determined.
• Application process:
  
  For full consideration, apply by August 23, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined. Applicants should apply online; materials include cover letter, CV, three letters of reference, unofficial transcripts, research statement, and teaching statement as specified.

• Cover letter stating interest and qualifications relative to listed credentials
• Curriculum vitae
• Three references with contact information for letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts
• Research statement (max 1,500 words)
• Teaching statement (max 1,000 words)

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply, please call  or the Florida Relay System at  (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.