RESEARCH ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/FULL SCIENTIST in AI-Powered Athletics

RESEARCH ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/FULL SCIENTIST

The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida invites applications for up to two full-time, time-limited, non-tenure track, 12-month faculty position at the rank of Research Assistant/Associate/Full Scientist. Although the anticipated hiring rank is Research Assistant Scientist, senior levels will be considered based upon experience.

The research faculty will directly support the AI-Powered Athletics project, which was recently funded through UF President Ben Sasse’s strategic funding initiative. As one of five projects in the UF & Sport Collaborative, AI-Powered Athletics is part of a multi-faceted initiative to propel the university to the global stage in sports performance, healthcare, and communication, while illuminating its world-class sports facilities and partnerships. The AI-Powered Athletics project is a collaboration between the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) and the University Athletics Association (UAA). The project aims to build the infrastructure and interdisciplinary relationships needed to enable AI-Powered Athletics. The initial phase of the project will focus on data curation. The UAA’s Performance Analytics & Testing Center collects a large amount of data from UF student-athletes on health, nutrition, academic performance, and sports performance, including wearable sensors at practices and games. The research faculty will play a key role in managing, analyzing, and utilizing the data to benefit team performance, support student-athlete health and well-being, and enable scientific and educational research.

Across the two positions, we are seeking experience in database management, human subject research including ethics approval process and regulatory compliance, computer programming (Python and R preferred), data analysis and visualization, machine learning and artificial intelligence, wearable sensors, biomechanics, sports analytics, sports performance, and exercise physiology. Ideal candidates would also have a broad knowledge of colleges sports and/or elite-level competitive athletics. Candidates will be expected to adhere to privacy regulations related to student-athletes, including but not limited to HIPAA, FERPA, NCAA compliance, and UAA reporting guidelines. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work on interdisciplinary teams is required.

The University of Florida is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is ranked as the #1 best public US university according to the Wall Street Journal. UF is currently ranked as one of the best public universities, 6th according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report of Best Colleges. UF is home to HiPerGator, which ranks 3rd among university supercomputers in the nation. In addition, the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is currently implementing a major expansion of faculty and state-of-the-art research and education facilities with a focus on AI. 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 . The University and College count among its greatest strengths a value of broad diversity among faculty, students and staff and a robust, inclusive, and welcoming climate for learning and research. UF is committed to equal educational and employment opportunity and access and seeks individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, and other attributes who, among their many exceptional qualifications, have a record of including a broad diversity of individuals in research and learning activities.

Salary to commensurate with education and experience.

 PhD with experience in biomedical engineering, computer science, sports science, exercise science or a closely related discipline or a Masters degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience in biomedical engineering, computer science, sports science, exercise science or a closely related discipline.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to receive applications until the positions are filled. You must apply by submitting an application through UFCareers via https://facultyjobs.hr.ufl.edu/ (Job 530472). The application consists of attached PDF files of the following required documents: 1. Cover letter (summary and introduction; relate to hiring emphasis areas)  2. Curriculum vitae. 3. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of three or more references. Additional documents should be uploaded as one PDF to the “other documents” selection in the application. 4. Statement of research experience (2 page maximum; relate to AI-Powered Athletics)

The anticipated start date for this position Spring/Summer 2024. For additional questions, contact Dr. Jennifer Nichols at [email protected] .

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 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.

The University of Florida is committed to nondiscrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

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

This is a time-limited position.