The University of Florida (UF) seeks a Director for the UF Astraeus Space Institute (https://astraeus.ufl.edu), a campus-wide institute dedicated to bringing space research communities together within the university and within the state of Florida. The mission of the Astraeus Space Institute is to celebrate, facilitate and accelerate the exploration of space at UF, primarily by fostering interdisciplinary research in spaceflight operations, space engineering, human spaceflight, astrobiology, astronomy and the wide range of associated sciences like artificial intelligence, policy, law, and social impact enabled across the University of Florida. This Institute will leverage existing strengths in space biology, materials, guidance and control, sensor development, and artificial intelligence within each of our academic units. Astraeus will partner with UF departments, colleges and other institutes to grow UF space research across the UF research and education enterprise. Astraeus will also be a key partner with other universities involved in space research, Space Florida, and NASA Kennedy Space Center.
The Director is expected to facilitate University-wide strategic growth and development across the space related disciplines. The Director will report to the Vice President for Research.
Administrative responsibilities of the Director include: i) program development and coordination; ii) liaison with cooperating units within UF, state, federal, and international government agencies, and professional and non-governmental organizations; and iii) development, promotion, and coordination of funding opportunities for UF faculty. The Director may conduct research at a level commensurate with effective discharge of duties related to the Institute. The Director serves a 12-month appointment and may, as appropriate, be offered a faculty appointment within a suitable academic unit at the University of Florida appropriate to the appointee’s discipline. The initial appointment as Director is five years with the opportunity for additional terms. Base funding for administrative and programmatic support of the institute is provided by the university.
The ideal candidate will be a scholar and leader who will build on past successes and experience while establishing new innovative research, education, and outreach programs. The Director, in collaboration with faculty from across multiple departments and colleges at UF, will identify key issues and opportunities related to space. The Director will work with faculty and administrators to create and integrate space related activities within the disciplinary and multidisciplinary programs related to the mission of Land Grant universities. These programs will establish ongoing, long-term, strategic relationships with key external stakeholders related to space science as well as outreach to programs that will relate to space science in the future.
Candidates should have a Ph.D., other terminal degree, or equivalent professional experience with a strong record of successful spaceflight-related research as well as administrative experience in managing large groups and projects. Candidates should have a commitment to working with researchers and educators across all space-related disciplines. This position will require that the individual be cleared at a level to gain unescorted access to the Kennedy Space Center. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and responsibilities. The University is committed to building an intellectual and inclusive work environment, so applicants should include information in their application about how they will further this mission. Qualified applicants should submit a curriculum vita, a statement of interest, and the names and contact information of three referees to the UF job website at https://jobs.ufl.edu/ , Requisition: #535584.
Applicants may contact Dr. Anna-Lisa Paul at (352) 273-4855 or via email at alp@ufl.edu with questions or for more information. Application review will begin April 18, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.
The final 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), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.
