Summary: This non-tenure-accruing faculty position involves research and engineering aquaculture systems for marine species restoration, active participation in graduate education, and seeking grant funding. Highlights: 1. Perform research and engineer aquaculture systems for marine species restoration 2. Actively participate in graduate education and supervise research 3. Seek contract and grant funding to support the program **JOB NO:** 538738 **WORK TYPE:** Non\-Tenure\-Track Faculty **LOCATION:** Hillsborough **CATEGORIES:** Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences **DEPARTMENT:** 60460000 \- AG\-SCHL FOR, FISH, \& GEOMATICS **CLASSIFICATION TITLE:** Res Ast Sctst **CLASSIFICATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:** Highest degree possible in field; Evidence of pertinent experience for the position and qualities for the academic unit. **JOB DESCRIPTION:** The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352\-392\-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800\-955\-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF . This is a 12 month non\-tenure\-accruing position that will be 100% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) available in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. Duties will include: * Perform research and engineer aquaculture systems for the production of *Diadema antillarum*, nearshore hardbottom sponges, and stony corals. Experience and a strong record of publication in aquaculture and restoration of marine species and systems is required. Strong capacity for statistical computing in the R program and demonstrated scientific writing ability are also required. * The faculty member will participate actively in graduate education by serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, supervising undergraduate research, and publishing the results with their graduate students. * The employee will seek contract and grant funding actively to support their program. * Supervise and mentor research technicians working on funded projects. * This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. All faculty are expected to be supportive of and engage in all three of the IFAS land\-grant mission areas—Research, Teaching and Extension—regardless of the assignment split specified in the position description. The faculty member will participate actively in undergraduate education and graduate education by chairing graduate committees, serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, supervising undergraduate research, and publishing the results with their graduate students. **Background Information** 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. **EXPECTED SALARY:** Commensurate with Education and Experience **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:** A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Biology, Aquaculture, Ecology, or a closely related discipline is required. Experience and a strong record of publication in aquaculture and restoration of marine species and systems is required. Strong capacity for statistical computing in the R program and demonstrated scientific writing ability are also required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land\-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. **PREFERRED:** At least three years of demonstrated experience in *Diadema antillarum* aquaculture research as well as current AAUS diving qualification and experience in coral husbandry and nearshore hardbottom sponge restoration research. Postdoctoral experience is highly desirable. **SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:** **For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by** **March 13, 2026\. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.** This position is available April 2026, and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant. **Nominations** Nominations are welcome. Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee. This information should be sent to: Please refer to Requisition \# 538738 Josh Patterson Associate Professor – Restoration Aquaculture UF\|Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences The Florida Aquarium\|Center for Conservation 529 Estuary Shore Ln Apollo Beach, FL 33572 Telephone: 813\.419\.4917 Facsimile: 813\.419\.4929 Electronic Mail: joshpatterson@ufl.edu **Application Information** * 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 above + Curriculum vitae + Contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation + Unofficial transcripts 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). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year\-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities. **HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:** No **ADVERTISED:** 11 Feb 2026 Eastern Standard Time **APPLICATIONS CLOSE:** Open until filled