Associate Professor)

Instructional Assistant/Associate Professor•Gainesville, FL

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida is seeking a 12-month, non-tenure-accruing faculty member for a 100% teaching appointment in the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) on the main campus in Gainesville, Florida. This position will contribute to the department's instructional mission by providing innovative, student-centered teaching and mentoring, advancing experiential learning, and integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and data science. The successful candidate will join a cohort of teaching-centered faculty and is expected to have experience in at least two of the department's focus areas (soil, water, and ecosystems) with a commitment to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Faculty assignments may be adjusted based on departmental and college priorities.

Requirements

A doctorate or master’s degree (foreign equivalents acceptable) in the life sciences or a closely related discipline with a strong background in any aspect of soil sciences, ecosystem ecology, and/or water sciences.
A doctorate is required for the use of the ‘Instructional Assistant/Associate Professor’ working title.
Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication.
Demonstrated skills in interpersonal relationships.
Demonstrated skills in procurement of extramural funding.
Supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
Commitment to UF core values.

Nice To Haves

Previous teaching experience (including in-person and distance education formats).
Previous course management experience.
Record of scholarship in teaching and learning, including support of teaching or academic programs.
Experience supervising undergraduate research.
Experience with experiential learning.
Experience with artificial intelligence.
Experience with data science.
Experience with evidence-based instructional practices.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in face-to-face, hybrid, and/or distance education (DE) formats.
Revise and assume responsibility for teaching existing courses or develop new courses focusing on environmental sciences related to soil and water (e.g., chemistry, quality, remediation, management, watersheds) and ecosystem sciences (e.g., ecosystem restoration, services, management).
Mentor and supervise undergraduate student research, creative works, internships, and independent study projects.
Advise students in the non-thesis Master of Science program and serve on M.S. and Ph.D. supervisory committees as appropriate.
Incorporate the SWES Experiential Learning Laboratory (ELL) into course learning activities and student mentoring.
Provide support, promote, and help develop the SWES Experiential Learning Laboratory (ELL).
Collaborate with SWES faculty, CALS, and university colleagues to pursue funding opportunities supporting undergraduate research and experiential learning.
Participate in and comply with UF QUEST and other related CALS/UF curriculum requirements.
Work with the departmental Honors Coordinator to facilitate and track undergraduate Honors Thesis research.
Support student recruitment, retention, and academic success initiatives.
Participate in departmental, college, and university committees, particularly those related to teaching and student success.
Engage in professional development opportunities focused on Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, teaching excellence, and instructional innovation.
Pursue and disseminate scholarship related to teaching and learning.
Contribute to curriculum assessment, revision, and enhancement efforts.