Professor of Practice

The Center for Coastal Solutions (CCS) in the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment (ESSIE) at the University of Florida http://www.essie.ufl.edu/ within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) is soliciting applications for the position of Professor of Practice in Coastal Water Resources Resilience. This is a time-limited, non-tenure-track, full-time, twelve-month appointment. Initial appointment will be for one year, with reappointment expected based on funding and performance.

This position enables UF to create durable partnerships and craft integrative solutions to address coastal and water resources resilience. The ideal candidate will have expertise and experience in understanding and addressing the challenges related to coastal ecosystems, water resources management, and the resilience of natural and built environment in the face of climate change, natural disasters, and anthropogenic development pressures. The successful candidate will contribute to UF research development, building on existing connections between CCS, Florida SeaGrant, the UF Water Institute, the Florida Institute for Built Environment Research, as well as a statewide network of agency, private sector and academic partners. We seek a scholar and team-builder to lead research development that advances the knowledge and practices for sustainable use and management of coastal and water resources.

This position is focused on advancing interdisciplinary research, with an emphasis on conserving coastal ecological quality, integrating inland water environments that influence coastal ecosystem function, and addressing the challenges facing rapidly growing coastal populations with their associated infrastructure and socioeconomic needs. The appointee will join a collaborative and dynamic academic community with the opportunity to engage with regional, national, and international efforts to enable resilient coastal futures.

Responsibilities: This is a research development position, with no teaching or service expectations. The primary roles are:

• Lead applied and/or theoretical research development initiatives in coastal and water resources resilience, focusing on topics like hydrology, ecosystem restoration, disaster preparedness, sustainable resource management, built-environment resilience, and climate adaptation.
• Mobilize teams from across UF to pursue external funding from government agencies, foundations, and other sources to support integrative research activities.
• Foster partnerships with other academic institutions, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and industry stakeholders working on coastal and water resource resilience issues.
• Engage in public policy discussions, providing expertise on coastal and water resilience strategies to support decision-makers.

With over 8,000 miles of coastline, Florida is home to diverse and dynamic coastal ecosystems that support a rapidly growing population and robust economy. The state faces unique challenges related to climate change, sea-level rise, and environmental stressors, making it an ideal living laboratory for innovative research and solutions. These factors provide unparalleled opportunities for the Center for Coastal Solutions to lead in addressing global coastal resilience and sustainability through groundbreaking science and impactful partnerships.

The University of Florida is strategically positioned to maintain a leadership role nationwide in coastal research and sustainability. The University of Florida is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is highly ranked by multiple news outlets. UF is currently ranked as one of the best public universities, 7th according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report of Best Colleges. UF is home to HiPerGator, the nation’s third-ranked university supercomputer. The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is expanding its faculty and state-of-the-art research and education facilities with a focus on AI and advanced computing to enhance research in coastal and environmental solutions. The Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology, a 260,000 sq feet facility that serves as the hub for Artificial Intelligence, opened in Fall 2023. The College will reach 300 faculty members this year. For more information about our college initiatives, please visit http://eng.ufl.edu.

Salary to commensurate with education and experience

PhD or equivalent in environmental science, coastal management, water resources, environmental engineering, or a closely related field.

Ideal applicants should possess a strong background in the following areas:

• Expertise and experience in research related to coastal and water resource resilience, climate adaptation, or environmental sustainability.
• Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with academic, governmental, and community stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience securing and managing large multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary external research funding.
• Familiarity with the landscape of Federal, State, and international funding for coastal and water resources resilience science and program development.
• Professional experience in coastal or water resource management, policy, or community engagement, particularly within multi-university research programs, and multi-sector partnerships.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity employer.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately with the first full committee screening on April 7, 2025, and will continue to receive applications until the position is filled. You must apply by submitting an application through UFCareers via https://jobs.ufl.edu/ (Job No. 535202). The application consists of attached PDF files of the following required documents: The application consists of attached PDF files of the following required documents: 1. Cover letter (summary of qualifications) 2. Curriculum vitae 3. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of no less than three and up to five references. Additional documents should be uploaded as one PDF to the “other documents” selection in the application. 4. A vision statement focusing on how UF can show leadership in addressing the needs and opportunities in coastal/water resilience. 5. Candidates should also prepare a CCS vision statement and plan, with their individual research statement and identification of any current synergies of their research with CCS. The anticipated start date for this position is Fall 2025. With some flexibility for a later start date based on individual needs. Questions about this position may be directed to Stacey Dolan sdolan@ufl.edu.

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 are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

If 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). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

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