The Opportunity

The Department of Chemistry (science.ucf.edu/chemistry) and the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS, www.ncfs.ucf.edu) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invite applications for one full-time, 9-month, tenure-earning Assistant Professor in Forensic Toxicology. This is a joint position between the Chemistry Department and NCFS. This position is anticipated to begin in August 2027. Candidates hired at the assistant professor level are expected to develop externally funded, nationally competitive research programs. State-of-the art laboratory space and a competitive startup package can be expected. Successful candidates will contribute to teaching in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. The instructional duties and service assignments are in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy.

The Department of Chemistry at UCF is fueling the STEM workforce of the future, preparing students through five broad areas of study, including: materials, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, and chemistry education research. Our faculty are actively engaged in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in collaboration with the National Center of Forensic Science, the Nanoscience and Technology Center, the College of Optics and Photonics, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and the College of Community Innovation and Education. The department offers a range of academic programs, which include both B.A. and B.S. degrees in Chemistry and a B.S. in Forensic Science, as well as M.S. programs in Chemistry and Forensic Science, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. Our B.S. Forensic Science degree is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) and UCF is a member of The Consortium for Nuclear Forensics, one of only 16 universities in the nation. The National Center for Forensic Science at UCF, a State of Florida Type II Research Center, leverages the expertise of Chemistry faculty to provide relevant and responsive forensic science research and training and operational support to communities that rely on science to achieve justice.

The UCF College of Sciences (COS) is the largest college at the university and a powerhouse for the regional and national STEM workforce, spanning the natural, computational, and social sciences with centers, institutes, and initiatives that serve as hubs for research and innovation. Through sharing and applying knowledge, COS is cultivating pathways for students to solve our world’s most pressing and complex problems. The mission of COS is to provide a world-class education in an environment where faculty, staff, and students thrive, research flourishes, and our community prospers. Several COS academic programs are nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Princeton Review, and others.

The UCF College of Sciences (COS) is the largest college at the university and a powerhouse for the regional and national STEM workforce, spanning the natural, computational, physical, and social sciences and housing centers, institutes and initiatives that serve as hubs for research and innovation. Through sharing and applying knowledge, COS is cultivating pathways for students to solve our world’s most pressing and complex problems. With a mission to provide a world-class education in an environment where faculty, staff, and students thrive, research flourishes, and our community prospers; a number of COS academic programs are among those nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Princeton Review, and others.

For more information, please visit https://sciences.ucf.edu.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in chemistry or appropriately related field from an accredited institution and a demonstrated track record of research productivity in forensic science.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference is given to candidates who have at least one year of post-doctoral research or equivalent experience (e.g., forensic casework experience). Additionally, candidates with presentations and/or publications in Human Forensic Toxicology are preferred.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:

• A current curriculum vitae.
• A cover letter of interest describing qualifications for the position.
• A teaching experience statement/philosophy.
• A research statement.

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.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications in November 2026 and the position will be open until filled. 

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Dr. Candice Bridge, Chair of the Search Committee, at [email protected].

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. H-1B visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H-1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted without an end date may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program. 
• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options. 
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions. 
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment. 
• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

The University of Central 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 for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

For general application or posting questions, please email [email protected].

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please email [email protected].