Assistant Director and Assistant Scientist - Invasion Science Institute

Assistant Director For The University Of Florida Invasion Science Institute

The University of Florida is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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.

Duties include developing, overseeing, and reporting on Institute programs, preparing and tracking budgets, supervising staff, supporting grant development and writing efforts, and representing the Institute in conferences and meetings. 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.

Essential administrative functions include:

• Fiscal Operations
• Program Development, Operations, Facilities, and Communications
• Planning and Policy Development
• Personnel Management and Development

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation's largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine. UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

The Invasion Science Institute at the University of Florida addresses the pressing challenge of invasive species in Florida, across the US, and globally. The Institute facilitates interdisciplinary research from across the university and fosters partnerships both within and beyond academia to address urgent challenges related to biological invasions. The Institute supports innovative, interdisciplinary academic programs to train the next generation of invasion scientists and practitioners, while also offering expert guidance and educational resources to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.

Expected Salary: Commensurate with Experience and Education

Required Qualifications: 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 and must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Preferred: 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.

Special Instructions to Applicants: For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by May 31, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.