Postdoctoral Associate, Shark Biology

University of North Florida Alumni Association • Jacksonville, FL

49d • $60,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Department of Biology seeks to fill a 24-month Postdoctoral Associate position in Shark Biology. This appointment is term-limited and reappointments are based on performance and funding. Position responsibilities involve participation in field and laboratory research on fish toxicology as part of a new research project funded by the Florida Institute of Oceanography’s (FIO) Florida Restore Act Centers of Excellence Program (FLRACEP). The project is being conducted in collaboration with researchers from Florida State University, University of Florida, and State University of New York. The goal of this project is to examine spatial and temporal patterns of abundance, biodiversity, and toxicological responses of large deep-sea fishes with special emphasis on fish populations sampled from regions impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The candidate will directly participate in two 12-day oceanographic research cruises annually (2026 and 2027), assisting in deepwater fish collection and biological sampling. Training in fish collection and biological sampling procedures will be provided by participation in UNF’s fishery-independent longline survey, which is conducted on a year-round basis. The candidate will conduct laboratory tests on fish toxicology using biological samples obtained from sampling cruises. Additional responsibilities will include data management activities, oversight of undergraduate and/or graduate student research assistants, disseminating research results in presentations at professional conferences, and publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements

• Earned a doctoral degree from an acceptable accredited institution in the field of specialization or closely related discipline by the employment start date on January 5, 2026.
• Have demonstrated ability to carry out individual or group research at the advanced level.
• Have training in research procedures.
• Experience and specialized training necessary to develop and interpret data required for success in research projects.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to candidates who possess strong skills in either marine field research or laboratory-based animal toxicological research, and who hopes to improve their training in the other field.

Responsibilities

• Participation in field and laboratory research on fish toxicology.
• Assisting in deepwater fish collection and biological sampling during two 12-day oceanographic research cruises annually (2026 and 2027).
• Conducting laboratory tests on fish toxicology using biological samples obtained from sampling cruises.
• Data management activities.
• Oversight of undergraduate and/or graduate student research assistants.
• Disseminating research results in presentations at professional conferences.
• Publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees