Lecturer or Senior Lecturer (Instructional Assistant/Associate Professor) - University of Florida

Lecturer/Sr Lecturer

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. 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% teaching, available in the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, 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:

• Teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses in face-to-face and/or online formats (depending on the course). Teaching assignments can change depending on programmatic needs. Teaching a mix of the following current courses will be expected.  Course loads will be balanced with other obligations.   
  • Environmental Pedology, 4-credit hour 4000/5000 level course taught in the Spring semester.  This course is delivered in both distance and in-person formats.
  • Soil, Water, and Land Use, 3-credit hour 4000/5000 level course taught in the Fall semester.  (DE and in-person formats)
  • Urban Soil and Water Systems, 3-credit hour 4000/5000 level course taught in Summer semesters (DE and in-person formats)
  • Soils for Environmental Professionals, 3-credit hour 5000 level course taught in the Spring semester. (DE Format)
  • Professional Development in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, 2-credit hours 6000 level course taught in the Summer semester. (DE synchronous format)
  • Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) class, 3-credit hour course delivered in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters as determined by departmental needs.
  • Other undergraduate or graduate class(es) aligned with the lecturer’s expertise and departmental needs.
• Supervising undergraduate research projects and mentoring graduate students
  • Mentoring and supervising undergraduate student research and creative works through internships, projects and individual work.
  • Supporting, promoting, and enhancing the SWES Experiential Learning Laboratory located in the University of Florida Energy Research and Education Park.
  • Working independently and in collaboration with researchers in SWES, CALS, and across the University to seek funding to support undergraduate research.
  • Serving as the SWES Undergraduate Research Coordinator.
  • Contributing to graduate student development through mentorship and service on MS and PhD committees.
  • Publishing teaching-related scholarship with students (as appropriate)
• Helping facilitate coordination and tracking of undergraduate students conducting research for Honors Theses within the SWESD, including: referring students to potential faculty based on interests, sending reminders of deadlines to students and advisors, directly advising undergraduate research thesis projects in the candidate’s subject area, and assisting with reviews of final theses submitted for credit. 
• Participating in continuing education opportunities and events offered through the University and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), especially those related to developing a teaching and learning scholarship program.
• Serving on departmental, college, and university committees related to teaching programs.
• Other teaching responsibilities include, but are not limited to, contributing to curriculum revision and enhancement efforts, and student recruitment initiatives. Successful candidates are encouraged to produce learning tools and engage in campus wide professional development activities related to teaching.

This position can provide the opportunity to contribute to SWES recruitment efforts and attend professional meetings. Faculty are encouraged to support and participate in the CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education.

Background Information:

The SWES Department is a leader in teaching, research, and extension/outreach programs in management, protection, and monitoring of soil and water resources.  The SWES Department has 37 tenured or tenure-track faculty, 6 non-tenure track lecturers/research faculty, 54 PhD students, 103 MS students, and 114 undergraduate students.  The interdisciplinary nature of SWES programs results in research at multiple (molecular to landscape) scales to manage and protect land and water resources and solve environmental problems.  Teaching faculty are encouraged to participate in extension and research activities that contribute to their continuing education.

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.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

A master’s degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in the life sciences or a closely related discipline with a strong background in any aspect of soil sciences, ecosystem ecology, and/or water sciences is 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. 

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in the life sciences is preferred (required for use of the ‘Instructional Assistant/Associate Professor’ working titles). Previous teaching (including in-person and distance education formats) and course management experience is highly desirable.  Record of scholarship in teaching and learning, including support of teaching or academic programs. Experience supervising undergraduate research.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

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 # 534150

Dr. Mark W. Clark

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department

P.O. Box 110260

Gainesville, FL 32611-0290

Telephone:                               352.294.3115

Facsimile:                                352.392.3399

Electronic Mail:                      clarkmw@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
• Description of Teaching Philosophy (including examples of successful application)
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for three (3) individuals willing to write letters of recommendation focused on teaching experience and qualifications
• 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 of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

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.