RES AST SCTST
The J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida (UF) invites applications for a time-limited, full-time, non-tenure track, 12-month faculty position at the rank of Research Assistant Scientist, in the area of sports and human performance. This position is expected for 1 year, reappointment is dependent on funding, department needs, and performance.
This position will directly support the AI-Powered Athletics project ( https://aipoweredathletics.eng.ufl.edu/ ). This project is a collaboration between the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) and the University Athletics Association (UAA). A cornerstone of the project is a comprehensive, research databank that integrates data from UF student-athletes on health, nutrition, academic performance, and sports performance, including wearable sensors at practices and games.
The successful candidate will lead interdisciplinary projects that leverage our comprehensive research databank on UF student athletes. This includes managing, analyzing, and utilizing the data to benefit team performance, support student-athlete health, and well-being, and enable scientific and educational research. The candidate will assist with data curation, creative development of data visualization and analysis tools, and maintaining interdisciplinary relationships between UF researchers and UAA staff. 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 are required.
Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
Ideal candidates will have prior experience with human subject research, including ethics approval processes and regulatory compliance; strong computer programming skills, including Python and Git/Github; data analysis experience, including AI and machine learning methods; and a broad knowledge of college sports and/or elite-level competitive athletics.
This is a time-limited position.
The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately, with the first full committee screening occurring on October 20, 2025, and will continue to review applications until the position is filled. You must apply by submitting an application through UFCareers via https://jobs.ufl.edu/ (Job 537565). The application consists of attached PDF files of the following required documents:
1. Cover letter (summary, introduction related to hiring emphasis areas)
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Statement of research experience (2 page maximum; relate to AI-Powered Athletics)
4. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of no less than three and up to five references.
Additional documents should be uploaded as one PDF to the “other documents” selection in the application. The anticipated start date for this position is January 2026. For further questions, please contact Dr. Jennifer Nichols at jnichols@bme.ufl.edu .
The University of Florida (UF) is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities. UF is home toHiPerGator, the fastest AI supercomputer in higher education, and theHerbert Wertheim College of Engineeringis undergoing a major expansion in faculty, research, and facilities with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. In Fall 2023, UF openedMalachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology, a 260,000-square-foot facility that serves as the hub for AI.
For more information about college initiatives, visit eng.ufl.edu
Additional Requirements
- The selected candidate must provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. Transcripts marked “Issued to Student” will not be considered official.
- Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by theNational Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Additional Information
The University and College count among its greatest strengths a community of faculty, students and staff having a variety of perspectives who support a culture of respect and dignity where learning and research thrive. UF is committed to equal education, opportunity, and access.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply, please call
- 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at
- 800-955-8771 (TDD) .
- Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.
- All searches are conducted in accordance withFlorida’s Sunshine Law.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity employer.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Freqently Asked Questions
Gainesville's biomedical engineering sector is growing, with the University of Florida driving much demand for research scientists. Competition is moderate, favoring candidates with strong AI, data analytics, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills, especially those experienced in sports performance and human health research.
Locally, certifications involving human subject research ethics, such as CITI training, along with expertise in HIPAA and FERPA compliance, are highly valued. Proficiency in AI, machine learning, and data management tools also enhances candidates' appeal for Gainesville’s university-driven research roles.
Mastery of Python programming, experience with Git/GitHub version control, and competence in data visualization are key. Additionally, familiarity with AI and machine learning algorithms tailored to sports performance datasets is crucial to drive impactful insights in interdisciplinary sports science research.
Early-career scientists can progress by leading larger interdisciplinary projects, publishing influential research, and securing funding. Engaging with collaborative university and athletics associations can open pathways toward senior research roles or faculty appointments within biomedical engineering and sports science departments.
Daily tasks often include managing and analyzing integrated datasets from wearables, developing innovative visualization tools, ensuring compliance with data privacy standards, and facilitating communication between research teams and athletics staff to support health and performance initiatives.
This role uniquely blends cutting-edge AI applications with sports performance data from collegiate athletes, emphasizing collaborative work between engineering and athletics departments. The position’s integration with UF’s HIPERGATOR supercomputer and focus on interdisciplinary projects offers unparalleled research infrastructure.
The Society values interdisciplinary teamwork and innovation, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment. Researchers benefit from ongoing support for professional development, with a strong emphasis on ethical data handling and contributing to student-athlete well-being through scientific advancement.
Salaries for similar roles in Gainesville typically range from $55,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience and educational background. Positions involving specialized AI and machine learning expertise in biomedical contexts tend to command salaries toward the higher end of this spectrum.
Candidates must navigate stringent compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and NCAA regulations, requiring meticulous attention to privacy and ethics. Additionally, adapting to interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and athletics teams demands strong communication and project management skills.
Gainesville offers a relatively manageable commute with a community-oriented work culture. Many research roles encourage flexible schedules to accommodate project needs and collaboration, though proximity to UF’s campus is beneficial for seamless interaction with research teams and facilities.
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