Job description

The Department of Biology at the University of West Florida (UWF) in Pensacola, Florida, invites applications for an accomplished scholar to serve as Department Chair (Position # 119760), beginning Fall 2026. This position is a full-time, 12-month tenured appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor. The Chair will serve as the department’s academic and administrative leader. The Chair is a member of the college leadership team, working collaboratively to advance the strategic goals of the University, College, and Department.

The Department of Biology at UWF is committed to advancing undergraduate and graduate (Master’s degrees) education, offering degrees in biomedical sciences, marine biology, and general biology, while supporting externally funded research and innovation. Research of the biology faculty spans a variety of areas, including but not limited to cellular and molecular biology, marine sciences, ecology, genetics, and environmental science. Chair responsibilities will include teaching one course per semester, maintaining an active research program that complements and enhances the Department’s current strengths, mentoring students and performing service activities that contribute to the success of the department and the mission of the university.

UWF is a student-centered public university where faculty and students collaborate on meaningful research across all areas of biological sciences. Known for strong graduation rates and personalized attention, UWF emphasizes experiential learning that prepares students for successful careers in healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, marine biology, and research. Our Northwest Florida location provides excellent access to coastal and terrestrial field sites, clinical partnerships, and professional networks while offering faculty well-equipped laboratories and varied research environments to support scholarship in cellular biology, genetics, ecology, marine sciences, and beyond.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Sustained record of teaching, service, and research achievements consistent with the rank of tenured faculty.
• Successful record of maintaining a competitively funded research program.
• Demonstrated record of leadership within an academic institution.
• Two or more years of experience with shared governance among faculty and administration.
• Administrative, research, and teaching philosophies that align with the department and university’s goals.

Special Requirements or Considerations:

• A criminal background check is required for this position.

How to apply

Candidates must apply online through the University of West Florida website: https://careers.uwf.edu.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Letter of application addressing interest in and qualifications for the position, including a vision statement as the chair of the department
• Teaching philosophy
• Statement of personal research interests, including how the research will include undergraduate and graduate students

The University of West Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Disabled/Veteran employer. Any individual requiring special accommodation to apply is requested to advise UWF by contacting UWF Human Resources at 850.474.2694 (voice) or 850.857.6158 (TTY). E-Verify is required for employment. All applications for employment at the University are subject to Florida public records law.