Postdoctoral Associate, Shark Biology

Postdoctoral Associate, Shark Biology

University of North Florida – Jacksonville, FL

The Department of Biology seeks to fill a 24‑month Postdoctoral Associate position in Shark Biology. This appointment is term‑limited; reappointments are based on performance and funding.

Position responsibilities involve participation in field and laboratory research on fish toxicology as part of a new research project funded by the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) Florida Restore Act Centers of Excellence Program (FLRACEP). The project is conducted in collaboration with researchers from Florida State University, University of Florida, and State University of New York.

The goal of the project is to examine spatial and temporal patterns of abundance, biodiversity, and toxicological responses of large deep‑sea fishes, with special emphasis on populations sampled from regions impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

The candidate will directly participate in two 12‑day oceanographic research cruises annually (2026 and 2027), assisting in deep‑water fish collection and biological sampling. Training in fish collection and sampling procedures will be provided through participation in UNF’s fishery‑independent longline survey, which is conducted year‑round.

The candidate will conduct laboratory tests on fish toxicology using biological samples obtained from the cruises. Additional responsibilities include data management, oversight of undergraduate and/or graduate research assistants, disseminating research results in presentations at professional conferences, and publishing manuscripts in peer‑reviewed journals.

Supervisor:
This position reports to the Department Chair, Dr. Jim Gelsleichter.

Working Hours:

Varies. This is not a supervisory role.

• Earned a doctoral degree from an accredited institution in the field of specialization or a closely related discipline by the employment start date on January 5, 2026.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out individual or group research at an advanced level.
• Training in research procedures.
• Experience and specialized training necessary to develop and interpret data required for success in research projects.

Preference will be given to candidates with strong skills in either marine field research or laboratory‑based animal toxicological research, and who desire to improve training in the other field.

• A cover letter describing professional qualifications, career goals, and specific interest in this position.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Description of research experience (1–2 pages).
• Unofficial transcripts.
• Name, phone number, and email address of three professional references.

Additional requirements:

Applicants may need to upload official transcripts and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations by the date of hire. Applicants may also be required to provide additional documents based on Foreign Influence Review responses, such as passport pages and Form DS‑160 (or an explanation).

Application Review Date:
Initial review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025.

Job Posting Close Date:
Open until filled.

Applicants must submit an online application that includes all required documents. For questions, contact Dr. Jim Gelsleichter at  or jim.gelsleichter.

University of North Florida is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or status as a qualified person with a disability.