About

The Opportunity The Department of Biology at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for the position of tenure track Assistant Professor, Plant Physiology (9-month appointment), anticipated to begin Fall 2026. We seek a broadly trained, integrative botanist who will use innovative approaches to develop a high-quality research program in plant physiology. All disciplines of plant physiology will be considered, from molecular to ecological to evolutionary, in terrestrial or aquatic environments, focusing on any plant or algal taxa. Focal work on agricultural crops, while not preferred, will be considered if it demonstrates an explicit connection to fundamental biological processes. In particular, the ideal candidate will contribute courses to the Plant Science track within the biology major and expand undergraduate research opportunities in plant physiology. The instructional duties and services assignments are in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy. The Department of Biology blends contemporary research and dynamic teaching from a broad-based curriculum. We have successfully trained thousands of undergraduate students for a range of biology careers, fostering a strong foundation in the life sciences and equipping them with critical thinking skills. Many classes engage High Impact Practices, offering students opportunities to receive hands-on experience in the field and pursue a graduate education through a master’s program in Biology and a Ph.D. program in Integrative and Conservation Biology. Our facilities include a genomics core laboratory, an on-campus transgenic greenhouse, walk-in growth chamber, research hoophouses, herbarium, research field plots, and 800 acres of natural lands and wetlands. Our faculty and research scientists are actively addressing environmental challenges through novel research—from coastal restoration to marine turtle conversation, boldly shaping a better future. For more information, please see https://sciences.ucf.edu/biology. UCF College of Sciences The UCF College of Sciences (COS) is the largest college at UCF and a powerhouse for the regional and national STEM workforce, spanning the natural, computational, physical, and social sciences and housing centers, institutes and initiatives that serve as hubs for research and innovation. Through sharing and applying knowledge, COS is cultivating pathways for students to solve our world’s most pressing and complex problems. With a mission to provide a world-class education in an environment where faculty, staff, and students thrive, research flourishes, and our community prospers; a number of COS academic programs are among those nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Princeton Review, and others. For more information, please visit https://sciences.ucf.edu. UCF, named one of the most innovative public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, is located in Orlando, Florida and is classified as a Very High Research Activity university by the Carnegie Foundation. With more than 70,000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the country, offering more than 240 degree programs. UCF is an economic engine, attracting and supporting industries vital to the region's future while providing students with real-world experiences that help them succeed after graduation. For more information, visit https://www.ucf.edu. Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in life sciences from an accredited institution by the time of application. Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will: (a) show potential to develop and maintain a vigorous, extramurally funded research program including research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students; (b) show commitment to excellence in teaching, effective student mentoring, and strong academic support for our student population; (c) complement department strengths; (d) demonstrate an ability to collaborate with other disciplines; and (e) will have postdoctoral training or comparable work experience. Additional Application Materials Required: UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload a single PDF document that includes: (1) a cover letter that explains the applicant’s research program and how it complements current departmental expertise; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a statement of research interests and plans (limit two pages); (4) a teaching statement including potential courses the candidate could teach or develop (limit two pages). NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be attached at that time. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later. 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. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Barbara Sharanowski, Chair of the Search Committee at Barb.Sharanowski@ucf.edu and must include “R111788 Assistant Professor, Plant Physiology” in the subject line. Special Instructions to the Applicants: N/A Job Close Date: 11/13/2025 Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential? As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills, and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck. Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers: Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.  Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays. Retirement savings options.  Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.  Education assistance. Flexible work environment.  And more, for more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here. Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins. Additional Requirements related to Research Positions: Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela. The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates. Department College of Sciences (COS) - Biological Sciences Work Schedule Varied Type of Appointment Regular Expected Salary Negotiable As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request. UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu. For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu. A Foundation for Success Founded in 1963 to provide talent for Central Florida and the growing U.S. space program, UCF has been making an impact on the state, the nation — and outer space — ever since. With 13 colleges and more than 230 degree programs, follow your passion at one of our campus locations designed to help you succeed. From the main campus in east Orlando to UCF Downtown and Rosen College of Hospitality Management to the Academic Health Sciences Campus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn in the heart of your industry. UCF also has multiple regional locations and fully online programs — including online bachelor’s degrees, online graduate degrees, online certificates and more — to ensure that you can achieve your dreams whenever and wherever you want.