Director & Senior/Master Lecturer - Space Life Sciences

Job No: 540762
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Academic Advising/Support, Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department: 60030000 - AG-DEAN FOR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Job Description

Classification Title: Dir & Sr/Master Lecturer

Classification Minimum Requirements: Candidates shall have received the academic degree appropriate to the assignment of duties.

Job Description: 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 to apply for this position, please call [contact details available in the full listing] or the Florida Relay System at [contact details available in the full listing] (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

This is a 12-month non-tenure-accruing faculty position at the rank of Senior Lecturer/Master Lecturer (working title: Associate/Full Instructional Professor) for the Space Life Sciences Program. The position is 10% academic administration as Director of the Space Life Sciences program and 90% teaching in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the college. The Space Life Sciences program will prepare students to enter the growing space sector supporting sustained human exploration beyond Earth. The candidate will direct and advise students in a new undergraduate degree program that is being submitted this year (2026) for approval. This program has great potential with interest across UF as well as with industries and federal partners. The Director will need to be innovative and entrepreneurial to grow and expand this program to meet its potential. The candidate, with assistance from the CALS Dean's office, will assume all duties to navigate necessary approvals to expedite the launch of this program once hired.

The candidate will serve as the undergraduate coordinator and academic advisor for the Space Life Sciences Program. The administrative appointment responsibilities are to conduct any supervision or reporting of the program's operation required from external or internal entities, such as accreditation reporting and new requirements in undergraduate curriculum as well as to manage the program's budget. This program is interdisciplinary with core CALS departments being Microbiology and Cell Science, Plant Pathology, Horticultural Sciences, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, and Food Science and Human Nutrition. The academic home will be in CALS. The position will report to the Associate Dean in CALS that oversees the undergraduate programs. Recruitment efforts will initially be at the forefront of goals for this position to increase awareness and enrollment in the major. Awareness and recruitment efforts will receive additional support from CALS and IFAS Communication Services as appropriate.

Duties will include teaching one to two courses annually in the Space Life Sciences major, depending on the candidate's expertise with preference given to larger enrolled courses that are part of the core curriculum. The successful candidate will engage in scholarly activities related to instruction and advising and mentoring undergraduate students. This position is also expected to provide leadership in curriculum revision and enhancement, publish teaching-related articles, produce learning tools, and engage in professional development activities related to teaching and advising. All faculty are encouraged to support and participate in the CALS Honors Scholars Certificate Program, distance education, and international education.

Other duties and responsibilities related to leadership and administration will include academic advisement of undergraduate students in the major and budgetary oversight of the program. Future responsibilities may include advising students to complete an undergraduate minor or certificate in the Space Life Sciences program should they be developed. The successful candidate will develop and maintain industry and alumni contacts for program support and internship opportunities. Recruitment and retention of students within the program is key. This position will lead the Space Life Science Steering Committee and work closely with faculty mentors, unit leaders and upper administration to achieve program goals and learning objectives. This person will actively promote Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) among participating faculty, work with unit leaders to ensure timely peer assessment of core courses and lead the annual accreditation assessment for the Space Life Sciences program.

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 specified in the position description.

Expected Salary: Commensurate with Experience and Education

We Offer Exceptional Benefits

Required Qualifications: A Master of Science or Doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in astrobiology, space biology, microbiology and cell science, plant pathology, horticulture, agricultural and biological engineering, food science, nutritional sciences, biology, or a closely related discipline is required (a doctorate is required for the use of the 'Instructional Assistant/Associate Professor' working titles). Candidates should have experience in teaching and advising/mentoring university level students. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and some prior experience with program management and administration. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Preferred: A doctoral degree and more than five years of experience in undergraduate teaching, an established record of excellence in teaching and mentoring, academic advising, and evidence of academic leadership experience and/or training. Experience and knowledge in the space life sciences field.

Special Instructions to Applicants: For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by August 30, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Nominations

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

Please refer to Requisition # 540762

Anne Mathews, PhD, RDN
Chair, Search and Screen Committee
University of Florida
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences/Dean's Office
1604 McCarty Drive, Suite 2020
Gainesville, FL (32611
Telephone: [contact details available in the full listing]
Electronic Mail: [contact details available in the full listing]

Application Information

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• Cover letter that states applicant's interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching/advising philosophy
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Health Assessment Required: No

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/540762

Our Commitment: The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call [contact details available in the full listing] or the Florida Relay System at [contact details available in the full listing] (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.