Description

The College of Marine Science (CMS) at the University of South Florida (USF) invites applications for nine-month tenure-track faculty in Aquatic Ecotoxicology. Appointment will be at the Assistant, Associate, or Professor level, with rank dependent on qualifications and experience.

We are searching for an Aquatic Ecotoxicologist who will contribute to better understanding of how contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and legacy pollutants affect marine and estuarine systems, and their component species. Investigators can work across all levels of biological organization with a cellular, organismal, population, community or ecosystems focus. We expect that qualified candidates will carry out hypothesis-based research employing modern tools including laboratory and/or field-based observation and chemical analyses. We especially seek high quality candidates who pursue toxicology studies in the marine environments that evaluate critical threshold levels relative to negative health outcomes (for marine animals and people), that focus on quantitative risk assessment or evaluate the whole-ecosystem implications of contaminant exposure using models and related mass balance contaminant budget studies.

The College of Marine Science hosts the Marine Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (MECLab) which includes various state-of-the-art equipment including stable-isotope and GC- and LC- (tandem-quadrupole) mass spectrometers. The MECLab supports the research enterprise of faculty and students across the USF-system, as well as local and state partners, and collaborators from around the world. https://www.usf.edu/marine-science/research/facilities-and-equipment/marine-environmental-chemistry-laboratory.aspx

Candidates will be selected based on their potential to conduct transformative research, productivity with respect to peer-reviewed publications, acquisition of external research funding, potential for outstanding mentoring and teaching, and a commitment to service and community engagement. Successful candidates are expected to teach specialty courses at the graduate level.

Minimum Requirements: Must have a PhD in a relevant scientific discipline at the time of hire and research experience in Aquatic Ecotoxicology.

Preferred qualifications: We are seeking innovative and interdisciplinary scholars with a demonstrated record of high-impact research, a history of, or desire for, interaction with colleagues across a broad suite of disciplines within the academy, professional community, civil society and government sectors, and a commitment to student success.

For the Assistant Professor rank, candidates should have a record of scholarly products and demonstrate potential for a career of creative work and scholarly publication, demonstrate potential for acquisition of extramural research funding, exhibit a commitment to exemplary instruction and mentoring of graduate students, and demonstrate commitment to high ethics and service to the public and their professional community.

For the Associate Professor / Professor rank, candidates should have an outstanding record of research, including substantive publication and other record of scholarly achievement, evidence of success in obtaining extramural research funding, commitment to exemplary instruction and mentoring of graduate students, and demonstrate a culture of high ethics and service to the public and their professional community.

Application procedures: To apply please submit your application, curriculum vitae, and requested documents through the USF recruitment system.

Please submit the following requested documents with your application:

1. A cover letter highlighting your motivation for applying to this position (one page maximum).
2. A research statement that describes the focus and impact of your current and planned future research (three page maximum).
3. A statement of your teaching and student mentoring philosophies as well as goals at USF CMS (two page maximum).
4. Service and Community Engagement Statement (two page maximum).
5. Curriculum vitae.
6. Contact information for three referees.

These positions will be open until filled; however, priority review of applications will begin by January 3rd, 2026.

Contact: For information regarding the available position, please contact Dr. Steve Murawski(Chair), smurawski@usf.edu, or Tim Trowbridge, ttrowbridge@usf.edu (727-553-3375).

The University of South Florida's College of Marine Science is a multidisciplinary college with 32 ranked core faculty covering biological, chemical, geological, physical oceanography, hydrography, and marine resource assessment, ~ 100 graduate students, $15 million in annual research expenditures, a total endowment of ~$31 million, and ~75 full-time support personnel. The CMS hosts a range of state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities and is strategically located on USF's waterfront campus in St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg is home to many State and Federal research and operational agencies including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Institute of Oceanography, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office, USGS Coastal and Marine Science Center, and the Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation. Together, these comprise one of the largest marine-science research complexes in the US. The Maritime and Defense Technology Hub ("The Hub") is part of the St. Pete Innovation District promoting interactions with private industry particularly in the marine technology domain. Additional information is available at http://www.usf.edu/marine-science and http://www.usf.edu.Working at USF
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With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
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About USF
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The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs fo r protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
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The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.