Assistant Professor in Coastal/Marine/Inland Water Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis

About the Team

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida is dedicated to creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. As a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, UF encompasses virtually all academic and professional disciplines with an enrollment of over 56,000 students. IFAS is one of the nation's largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, employing nearly 4,500 people across 16 on-campus departments, 12 Research and Educational Centers, and Extension offices in all 67 counties.

The School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS) is a vibrant academic unit with 70 faculty members and a diverse student body. It offers degrees in Geomatics, Forest Resources and Conservation, Natural Resource Conservation, and Marine Sciences. The school is home to the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program and the Geomatics Program, which serve as key partners in this initiative. The position is designed to complement existing strengths in fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic sciences, and geomatics across IFAS and UF, fostering unique opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with partners such as the UF Center for Remote Sensing, the UF Water Institute, and the UF Center for Coastal Solutions.

About the Role

This 9-month tenure-accruing position is a collaborative effort to develop an internationally recognized research program focused on the applications of remote sensing, geospatial analytics, and visualization technologies to marine resource management. The successful candidate will serve as a bridge between the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (30% teaching) and the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station (70% research).

In this role, you will develop new methods for obtaining and analyzing geospatial information on the status, use, and environment of aquatic resources, including inland, coastal, and marine systems. Your work will involve studying spatial distribution of resource abundance, fishing effort patterns, and the global extent of aquaculture production. Beyond research, you will teach two courses—one undergraduate and one graduate—accessible to a variety of distance students. You will also actively participate in the academic community by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, and mentoring undergraduate students.

As a member of the IFAS land-grant mission, you are expected to be fully engaged in all three pillars: Research, Teaching, and Extension. This includes seeking contract and grant funding, engaging in Extension activities, and supporting the CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education. The position offers a dynamic environment where you can work with strong relationships between UF and state agencies like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Life in Gainesville

Gainesville is a small city with culture and character directly linked to the university. Located in Florida, a state replete with diverse fauna and flora ranging from mangrove fringes to cypress swamps, the region offers a unique blend of southern temperate and subtropical climates. Florida boasts over 2,000 kilometers of coastal beaches and estuaries, including the unique Everglades and the Florida Keys. As a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, the area provides convenient access to tropical and temperate environments.

Gainesville itself is known for its proximity to many natural areas, year-round cycling possibilities, expansive media, and numerous cultural and historical landmarks. The cost of living in Gainesville is slightly below the national average, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Hiring Process

To be considered for this position, candidates must apply online via Careers at UF by June 15, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined. Applications should include a cover letter, full curriculum vitae, statements of teaching and/or mentoring philosophies (or a teaching portfolio), a research statement with two publication samples, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for four references.

Nominations are also welcome and should be sent to Dr. Anna Braswell, Chair of the Search and Screen Committee. Selected candidates will be required to provide official transcripts and are subject to eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution subject to Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

Equal Opportunity

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and we consider qualified applicants regardless of background. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please contact the Accessibility office at UF.