Director & Senior/Master Lecturer - Space Life Sciences

About the role

This is a 12-month non-tenure-accruing faculty position at the rank of Senior Lecturer/Master Lecturer (working title: Associate/Full Instructional Professor) for the Space Life Sciences Program. The position is 10% academic administration as Director of the Space Life Sciences program and 90% teaching in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the college.

Responsibilities

• Direct and advise students in a new undergraduate degree program being submitted for approval in 2026.
• Assume all duties to navigate necessary approvals to expedite the launch of the program once hired.
• Serve as the undergraduate coordinator and academic advisor for the Space Life Sciences Program.
• Conduct supervision or reporting of the program's operation required from external or internal entities, such as accreditation reporting and new requirements in undergraduate curriculum.
• Manage the program's budget.
• Lead recruitment efforts to increase awareness and enrollment in the major.
• Teach one to two courses annually in the Space Life Sciences major, depending on expertise, with preference given to larger enrolled courses that are part of the core curriculum.
• Engage in scholarly activities related to instruction and advising and mentoring undergraduate students.
• Provide leadership in curriculum revision and enhancement.
• Publish teaching-related articles, produce learning tools, and engage in professional development activities related to teaching and advising.
• Support and participate in the CALS Honors Scholars Certificate Program, distance education, and international education.
• Develop and maintain industry and alumni contacts for program support and internship opportunities.
• Lead the Space Life Science Steering Committee and work closely with faculty mentors, unit leaders and upper administration to achieve program goals and learning objectives.
• Actively promote Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) among participating faculty.
• Work with unit leaders to ensure timely peer assessment of core courses and lead the annual accreditation assessment for the Space Life Sciences program.
• Future responsibilities may include advising students to complete an undergraduate minor or certificate in the Space Life Sciences program should they be developed.

Required qualifications

• A Master of Science or Doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in astrobiology, space biology, microbiology and cell science, plant pathology, horticulture, agricultural and biological engineering, food science, nutritional sciences, biology, or a closely related discipline (a doctorate is required for the use of the 'Instructional Assistant/Associate Professor' working titles).
• Experience in teaching and advising/mentoring university level students.
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and some prior experience with program management and administration.
• Supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
• Commitment to UF core values.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree and more than five years of experience in undergraduate teaching.
• An established record of excellence in teaching and mentoring, academic advising, and evidence of academic leadership experience and/or training.
• Experience and knowledge in the space life sciences field.

Application information

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by August 30, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:

• Cover letter that states applicant's interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching/advising philosophy
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Nominations are welcome. Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee. This information should be sent to Anne Mathews, PhD, RDN, Chair, Search and Screen Committee, University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences/Dean's Office, 1604 McCarty Drive, Suite 2020, Gainesville, FL (32611), Telephone: 352.392.1963, Electronic Mail: anne.mathews@ufl.edu, referring to Requisition # 540762.