Postdoctoral Associate, Shark Biology

Department

Biology, Chair

Compensation

$60,000.00 Annual

General Description/Primary Purpose: The Department of Biology seeks to fill a 24-month Postdoctoral Associate position in Shark Biology. This appointment is term-limited and reappointments are based on performance and funding.

Position responsibilities involve participation in field and laboratory research on fish toxicology as part of a new research project funded by the Florida Institute of Oceanography’s (FIO) Florida Restore Act Centers of Excellence Program (FLRACEP). The project is being conducted in collaboration with researchers from Florida State University, University of Florida, and State University of New York. The goal of this project is to examine spatial and temporal patterns of abundance, biodiversity, and toxicological responses of large deep-sea fishes with special emphasis on fish populations sampled from regions impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

The candidate will directly participate in two 12-day oceanographic research cruises annually (2026 and 2027), assisting in deepwater fish collection and biological sampling. Training in fish collection and biological sampling procedures will be provided by participation in UNF’s fishery-independent longline survey, which is conducted on a year-round basis. The candidate will conduct laboratory tests on fish toxicology using biological samples obtained from sampling cruises. Additional responsibilities will include data management activities, oversight of undergraduate and/or graduate student research assistants, disseminating research results in presentations at professional conferences, and publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.

Supervisor: This position will report to the Department Chair, Dr. Jim Gelsleichter.

Working Hours: Varies

Supervision Exercised: This is not a supervisory role.

Required Licensure: N/A

Anticipated Start Date: The position is expected to begin on January 5, 2026.

Required Qualifications:

• Earned a doctoral degree from an acceptable accredited institution in the field of specialization or closely related discipline by the employment start date on January 5, 2026.

• Have demonstrated ability to carry out individual or group research at the advanced level.

• Have training in research procedures.

• Experience and specialized training necessary to develop and interpret data required for success in research projects.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills: Preference will be given to candidates who possess strong skills in either marine field research or laboratory-based animal toxicological research, and who hopes to improve their training in the other field.

Additional Application Materials Required: Applicants should be prepared to provide the following required documents and information:

• A cover letter describing professional qualifications, career goals, and specific interest in this position.

• Current curriculum vitae

• Description of research experience (1-2 pages)

• Unofficial transcripts

Name, phone number, and email address of three professional references will be requested during the application review stage.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials by the date of hire.

Additional Requirements: Applicants may be required to upload additional documents based on their responses to the Foreign Influence Review questions.

• Passport (all pages including blank pages) and

• Form DS-160 (if ever submitted. If not, upload an explanation)

Application Review Date: Initial review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025.

Job Posting Close Date: Open until filled.

How to Apply: Applicants must submit an online application that includes all required application documents. If you have any questions about this position, please contact Dr. Jim Gelsleichter at +1-904-620-1575, or jim.gelsleichter@unf.edu.

About the Department: The UNF Department of Biology offers baccalaureate degrees in Biomedical Sciences and in Biology with areas of concentration in Coastal and Marine Biology, Coastal Environmental Science, Ecology and Evolution, and Molecular/Cell Biology. Master’s-level degrees are also offered with a focus on Coastal/Marine Biology, Ecology/Evolutionary Biology or Microbiology/Molecular Biology.

Faculty in the Department have access to riverine, estuarine, and oceanic habitats, including the William C. Webb Coastal Research Station, a 1,050-acre tract of saltmarsh wetlands along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway less than 7 miles from the University. The university also maintains strong research ties with other agencies involved in coastal research, including the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Departmental resources for coastal research include a fleet of towed vehicles and research vessels, a large animal necropsy facility, and a 20' x 80' greenhouse situated on the roof of the building.

In recent years, UNF has transitioned to an R2 institution with an increasing focus on research while maintaining excellence in teaching. For more information about the Department visit: https://www.unf.edu/coas/biology/index.html.

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator

Pursuant to Florida Statute 1010.35, this position requires additional information from all applicants seeking research or research-related positions prior to an interview or offer of employment. Applicants MUST fully complete the Foreign Influence Review section of their application. Additional documents (e.g., passport) may be required based on form responses.

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.