Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and/or Biochemistry

This position is primarily engaged in teaching, research and service. The candidate must hold, the doctorate (or recognized terminal degree) from an acceptable accredited institution in the field of specialization or closely related discipline at the time of hire. Must have developing program of scholarly research, experience in teaching, or professional work of high caliber, and willingness to participates in University related service duties at least at the departmental level. 

General Description/Primary Purpose: 

The Department of Biology is seeking a 9-month, tenure-earning, Assistant Professor of molecular biology and/or biochemistry.  This position will report to James Gelsleichter, Department of Biology. Position responsibilities include 2/2 teaching load or its equivalent, research and service.  

Anticipated Start Date:  The position is expected to begin on August 4, 2025

Working Hours:  Varies 

Supervision Exercised: This is not a supervisory role. 

About the Department: The Department of Biology within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Florida (UNF) invites applications for two (2) state-funded, tenure-track assistant professor positions in molecular biology and/or biochemistry. UNF is a Carnegie designated High Research Activity R2 and Community Engaged Institution located in Jacksonville, Florida and is home to six colleges and over 17,000 students. The Department of Biology at UNF has two main pillars of research focus, including a Biomedical Sciences program and a Coastal and Marine Biology program. In recent years, UNF has transitioned to an R2 institution with an increasing focus on research while maintaining excellence in teaching. Faculty at UNF are on flexible teaching loads, typically teaching between four to six courses per year, with newly hired faculty on a reduced load of two courses per semester for the first three years. Continued reduced teaching loads may be offered to faculty demonstrating significant accomplishments aligned with the university’s strategic plan (https://www.unf.edu/strategic-plan/index.html). Startup funds are available and negotiable

For more information about the department of Biology visit: https://www.unf.edu/coas/biology/ 

Preferred Qualifications / Skills:   

The ideal candidates will have strong, demonstrable experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, developmental biology and/or cell biology and should employ a relevant laboratory model system that is broadly applicable and/or translatable to the study of human health and disease. In particular, candidates with research agendas focused in the areas of virology or developmental biology, as well as those that utilize modern data analytics approaches including bioinformatics, data science, and/or artificial intelligence (AI) are especially encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be expected to develop an internationally recognized, vibrant, and externally funded research program of exceptional caliber. Teaching responsibilities may include introductory level courses, upper-level courses in virology, developmental biology, molecular cell biology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, or histology, as well courses in the candidate’s area of specialty.  

Other Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, developmental biology, cell biology, or a related biological discipline; (Note: applicants with a graduate degree in an area outside of the biological sciences will not be competitive for this position.)
• Commitment to excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate-level courses within the biology department curriculum;
• Strong commitment to mentoring and supervising undergraduate and graduate research students;
• Excellence in laboratory-based research demonstrated by a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals;
• Potential to establish an independent research program.
• Postdoctoral experience;
• Record of seeking extramural research support evidenced by proposal submission and/or receipt of funding.

Required Licensure: 

N/A

Additional Application Materials Required: 

Applicants should be prepared to provide the following required documents and information: 

• Cover letter
• Current curriculum vitae
• Unofficial transcripts
• Names, phone numbers, and email address of three professional references
• Research Statement
• Teaching Statement

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials by the date of hire. 

Additional Requirements: 

Applicants may be required to upload additional documents based on their responses to the Foreign Influence Review questions. 

• Passport (all pages including blank pages) and
• Form DS-160 (if ever submitted. If not, upload an explanation)

Application Review Date: Initial review of applications will begin on November 18, 2024

Job Posting Close Date: Open until filled 

How to Apply: Applicants must submit an online application that includes all required documents and reference information. 

Department

Biology, Chair

Compensation

$71,200.00 to Negotiable Annual

Equal Opportunity

In 2020, the University of North Florida (UNF) received the prestigious INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only application-based national award for U.S. colleges and universities that exhibit an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion across their campuses. In addition, UNF ranked highest among the HEED institutions and was recognized as a 2020 Diversity Champion.

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator.

Pursuant to Florida Statute 1010.35, this position requires additional information from all applicants seeking research or research-related positions prior to an interview or offer of employment. Applicants MUST fully complete the Foreign Influence Review section of their application. Additional documents (e.g., passport) may be required based on form responses.