Research Assistant Scientist – Wildlife Disease Ecologist

Classification Title:	Res Ast Sctst
Classification Minimum Requirements:	Highest degree possible in field; Evidence of pertinent experience for the position and qualities for the academic unit.
Job Description:	The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF . This is a 9-month non-tenure-accruing position that will be 100% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit.  Duties will include applied research on the development and assessment of novel biodiversity and host population monitoring methods, the use of camera traps and analysis of the data to survey host populations, and the application of environmental DNA monitoring for pathogens and their hosts. The successful applicant will be expected to present and publish research findings at meetings and in peer-reviewed journals and participate in grant writing efforts. The candidate has the opportunity to participate in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing graduate committees, serving on graduate committees, supervising undergraduate research, and teaching courses.

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students.  UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

The programs of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation emphasize biological and human dimensions of wildlife ecology and conservation in local to international arenas. The Department’s existing strengths in spatial ecology, population modeling, wildlife disease ecology, conservation genetics, and environmental communication, among others, support strong collaborations. Department faculty may be affiliated with the Center for Latin American Studies, Center for African Studies, and the School of Natural Resources and the Environment. Also housed within the Department is the Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, whose principal focus is on wetlands ecology, coastal ecology, decision science, and endangered and threatened species conservation and management. The nearby 3,600-hectare Ordway-Swisher Biological Station provides an outdoor laboratory for teaching and a site for long-term field research and has been designated as a National Science Foundation NEON core site.

Several units on or nearby the University of Florida campus complement the teaching and research programs of the Department, including The Florida Climate Institute, an interdisciplinary center hosted at UF and comprising 12 Florida universities; the Tropical Conservation and Development Program in the Center for Latin American Studies; Center for Wetlands; UF Biodiversity Institute, Florida Museum of Natural History; the Florida Field Station (Gainesville) of the U.S.D.A. Wildlife Research Laboratory; the Wildlife Research Laboratory of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; the Wetlands Aquatic Research Center (WARC) of the US Geological Survey, and others.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Experience and Education

Required Qualifications:

Candidates must possess a doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Biology, Wildlife Science, Parasitology or a related field. Candidates must have evidence of scholarship and depth of knowledge in population dynamics, statistical analysis, predictive modeling and programming skills in the language R. Candidates must have experience supervising large-scale field campaigns, experience collecting arthropod vectors, and capturing and handling small- and meso-mammals. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, and interpersonal relationships. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

Preferred:

Preference will be given to applicants with related postdoctoral experience. Experience working within Florida as well as internationally is desirable. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, including presentations at national meetings and peer-reviewed publications in the top journals in their field.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This position is available January 1, 2027, and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available.  Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Please refer to Requisition # 541996

Samantha Wisely

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

PO Box 110430

Gainesville, FL 32611

Telephone:                               352.846.0645

Facsimile:                                352.392.6984

Electronic Mail:                      wiselylab@ifas.ufl.edu

• 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
• 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 of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 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

 

Advertised: 12 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:

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