The University of North Florida (UNF), located in Jacksonville, Florida, stands as a dynamic public institution within the State University System of Florida. Established in 1965, UNF has evolved into a vibrant hub for higher education, enrolling over 17,000 students across its undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. For job seekers eyeing careers in academia, UNF offers diverse opportunities ranging from faculty positions to research roles and administrative support. Whether you're a PhD holder pursuing tenure-track professor jobs or an experienced professional interested in higher ed jobs, UNF's commitment to excellence makes it an appealing destination.
Jacksonville's coastal setting enhances UNF's appeal, particularly for roles in environmental sciences and coastal biology. The university's R2 Carnegie classification for high research activity underscores its growing emphasis on innovative research, creating demand for skilled research assistants and postdoctoral fellows. Positions here not only provide competitive salaries—averaging $70,000-$120,000 for faculty depending on rank—but also align with Florida's thriving academic landscape.
Founded as a two-year commuter college, UNF transitioned to a four-year university in 1972 and gained full university status in 1984. This evolution paralleled expansions in faculty hiring, from initial core departments to today's six colleges: Brooks College of Health, Coggin College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education and Human Services, College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction, and the UNF College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The music program, housed in one of the few all-Steinway conservatories in the U.S., has long attracted specialized faculty.
Over decades, UNF's employment landscape has shifted toward research-intensive roles, bolstered by grants from the National Science Foundation and state funding. Today, jobs at University of North Florida reflect a balance of teaching, research, and service, with the Osprey mascot symbolizing the institution's agile growth. This history informs current openings, emphasizing long-term career progression for dedicated professionals.
UNF excels in programs like international business (top-ranked nationally), nursing (with simulation labs), and coastal biology, leveraging its 1,300-acre nature preserve campus. Faculty jobs often cluster in these strengths, requiring expertise in areas such as bioinformatics, public health, and supply chain management.
Explore university job types for details on roles like lecturers in education or researchers in engineering. Administrative positions support student success initiatives, while staff roles in IT and facilities maintain the modern campus infrastructure.
For tenure-track positions at UNF, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant field is standard, alongside a strong record of peer-reviewed publications. Research focus varies: coastal and environmental sciences prioritize fieldwork in UNF's preserve, while business roles seek expertise in data analytics.
Preferred experience includes securing grants (e.g., from NSF) and teaching diverse student bodies. Skills and competencies encompass:
To aid understanding of jobs at University of North Florida, here are key terms:
UNF jobs are posted on the official university jobs portal at careers.unf.edu. The process involves:
UNF prioritizes inclusive hiring through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, offering training like unconscious bias workshops. The President's Council on Diversity awards recognize faculty contributions. Programs such as the Multicultural Center and Hispanic-Serving Institution aspirations support underrepresented groups. In 2023, UNF's faculty diversity efforts included targeted recruitment, resulting in increased hires from minority backgrounds. These initiatives foster equitable workplaces, aligning with broader higher ed career advice.
UNF's 1,300-acre campus blends urban access with nature, featuring trails, lakes, and proximity to Jacksonville beaches—ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Employees enjoy 24 paid vacation days, family leave, and wellness programs including gym access and counseling. The Faculty Senate advocates for balance, with flexible scheduling in research roles. Campus life includes Osprey athletics, cultural events at the Fine Arts Center, and community engagement. Benefits like tuition remission for dependents enhance appeal, making UNF a top choice for sustainable careers in Florida.
Jobs at University of North Florida offer rewarding paths in a supportive environment. From professor jobs to research positions, opportunities abound. Visit higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and consider recruitment services or post a job on AcademicJobs.com for more.
