Assistant Scientist of Past Global Change
About The Position
The Department of Geography at the University of Florida is hiring a full-time, 12-month Assistant Scientist specializing in historical biogeography and paleoclimatology, with a start date of December 11, 2026. The successful candidate will conduct research on the long-term drivers and ecological consequences of wildfire disturbance in tropical and subtropical settings, using natural archives such as lake and wetland sediments to reconstruct environmental change over time. The position involves fieldwork in remote locations, including driving and boating to collect materials, and laboratory preparation of geobiological samples for stable and radiometric isotope geochemistry. The scientist will also write research proposals in their area of expertise. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in Geography or a closely related field, relevant postdoctoral experience, an established research record that includes peer-reviewed publications and experience applying for and securing funding, and expertise in stable isotope geochemistry, radiometric dating (including carbon and lead isotope systems), and collecting and processing lake and wetland sediments. Experience researching sedimentary records of past global change—including wildfire and ecological histories, paleoclimate, and millennial-timescale human-environment interactions using geochemical methods and geobiological samples—is preferred. A focus on the Pacific Islands and Eastern U.S. forests is also preferred. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The compensation includes a full benefits package; eligible faculty appointments may include health insurance, paid leave as applicable, and retirement options.
Requirements
- Ph.D. or equivalent in Geography or a closely related field.
- Relevant postdoctoral experience.
- Demonstrated record of establishing a well-recognized research program, including peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience applying for and securing funding.
- Proven expertise in stable isotope geochemistry.
- Expertise in radiometric dating, including carbon and lead isotope systems.
- Experience collecting and processing sediments from lakes and wetlands.
- Experience with field and laboratory methods for reconstructing environmental changes over time using natural archives such as lake and wetland sediment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with sedimentary records of past global change, including wildfire and ecological histories, paleoclimate, and human-environment interactions over millennial timescales using geochemical methods and geobiological samples.
- Experience and a geographic focus on the Pacific Islands and Eastern U.S. forests.
Responsibilities
- Conduct studies of the long-term drivers and ecological consequences of wildfire disturbance in tropical and subtropical settings.
- Collect research materials in remote locations, including by driving and boating.
- Prepare geobiological samples for stable and radiometric isotope geochemistry.
- Write research proposals in the candidate’s field of expertise.
Benefits
- Full benefits package.
- Health insurance for eligible faculty appointments.
- Paid leave, as applicable, for eligible faculty appointments.
- Retirement options for eligible faculty appointments.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
