About the role
Classification Title:
Assistant Scientist of Past Global Change
Minimum Requirements:
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Geography or closely related field. Relevant postdoctoral experience is required. Demonstrated record of establishing a well-recognized research program (peer-reviewed publications) including applying for and securing funding is required. Critical to the role is proven expertise in stable isotope geochemistry, radiometric dating including carbon and lead isotope systems, collection and processing of sediments from lakes and wetlands.
Job Description:
The Department of Geography at the University of Florida invites applications for a full-time, 12-month Assistant Scientist position with a specialization in historical biogeography and paleoclimatology beginning December 11, 2026. We seek highly qualified candidates from areas of Geography and closely related fields. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in field and laboratory methods that reconstruct environmental changes over time using natural archives such as lake and wetland sediment. The successful candidate will carry out studies of long-term drivers and ecological consequences of wildfire disturbance in tropical and subtropical settings.
Duties include field collection of materials in remote locations requiring driving and boating, laboratory preparation of geobiological samples for stable and radiometric isotope geochemistry, writing of proposals in the candidate’s field of expertise.
Expected Salary:
The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.
UF offers a strong benefits package for eligible faculty appointments, including health insurance, paid leave (as applicable), and retirement options. Learn more here.
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Geography or closely related field. Relevant postdoctoral experience is required. Demonstrated record of establishing a well-recognized research program (peer-reviewed publications) including applying for and securing funding is required. Critical to the role is proven expertise in stable isotope geochemistry, radiometric dating including carbon and lead isotope systems, collection and processing of sediments from lakes and wetlands.
Preferred:
Experience working with sedimentary records of past global change is desired 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 Pacific Islands and Eastern US forests is preferred.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applications must be submitted online. Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.
A complete application includes:
- Letter of application summarizing the applicant's qualifications, interests, and suitability for the position
- A complete curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information for three professional references
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.
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 educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. Review of applications will begin on November 23rd, 2026 and will continue until a successful applicant is selected.
Health Assessment Required:
No