Assistant Director and Assistant Scientist - Invasion Science Institute

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Florida Invasion Science Institute is seeking an Assistant Director for a 12-month, non-tenure-accruing position. This position will be 50% administration (Assistant Director), and 50% research (Assistant Scientist, Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) with the University of Florida Invasion Science Institute. The appointment will be no less than 0.5 FTE with potential up to 1.0 FTE upon hire, with potential to increase FTE as funding becomes available. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the Institute. The candidate will coordinate cross-disciplinary invasion science research teams and collaborative projects to improve prediction, understanding, and mitigation of biological invasions. They will actively pursue contract and grant funding to support the Institute and their program and will mentor postdoctoral researchers and graduate students engaged in invasion science research. Extension activities will include disseminating information on the risk and impacts of invasive species to improve efficiency and effectiveness of management.

Requirements

Doctorate degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in natural resources, life sciences, or environmental education or communications discipline with applicability to invasion science, and at least two years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in those same disciplines and at least ten years of relevant experience.
Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
Must have a commitment to UF core values.

Nice To Haves

Experience in organization and administration in academic centers or institutes, governmental or non-governmental conservation organizations, or natural resources agencies.
Demonstrated expertise in the development of programs that foster collaboration in science and environmental education.
Excellent demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work strategically.
Demonstrated success in procurement and management of external funding.

Responsibilities

Oversee Institute fiscal operations and grant activities.
Direct and review proposal development, budgeting, submission, and contract review to ensure accuracy and compliance with sponsor, university, and regulatory requirements.
Develop the annual Institute budget in consultation with the Director and management team.
Review and approve expenditures and prepare required fiscal reports.
Support development and implementation of Institute programs and operations.
Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal regulations and assist investigators in meeting research compliance requirements.
Provide technical and strategic support to the ISI Director, facilitate efficient research operations, and support communications and program coordination that advance the Institute’s research mission.
Serve as a member of the Institute management team and contribute to strategic planning and policy development.
Ensure adherence to federal, state, and university research regulations through audits, reporting, and training.
Serve as a liaison with IFAS/UF and other institutional and external partners.
Supervise Institute administrative and fiscal staff.
Provide daily oversight, establish performance goals and expectations, and ensure staff activities align with Institute priorities.
Represent the Institute in the Director’s absence and support the Institute’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
Perform additional duties and special projects in support of Institute operations and strategic initiatives.
Develop, oversee, and report on Institute programs.
Prepare and track budgets.
Supervise staff.
Support grant development and writing efforts.
Represent the Institute in conferences and meetings.
Coordinate cross-disciplinary invasion science research teams and collaborative projects.
Actively pursue contract and grant funding to support the Institute and their program.
Mentor postdoctoral researchers and graduate students engaged in invasion science research.
Disseminate information on the risk and impacts of invasive species.