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Spatial Ecology Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Spatial Ecology information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Spatial Ecologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spatial Ecologist, you need strong quantitative skills, knowledge of ecological theory, and a relevant degree (such as in ecology, geography, or environmental science). Proficiency with GIS software (like ArcGIS or QGIS), remote sensing tools, and statistical programming languages (such as R or Python) is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These skills are vital for accurately analyzing spatial patterns in ecosystems and informing conservation or land management decisions.

What are some common challenges spatial ecologists face when working with large-scale environmental datasets?

Spatial ecologists often work with vast and complex datasets that require advanced analytical skills and familiarity with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and remote sensing tools. One common challenge is ensuring data quality and consistency, especially when integrating information from multiple sources or at different spatial and temporal resolutions. Additionally, translating complex spatial analyses into actionable insights for conservation or resource management often requires effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, such as biologists, policy makers, and land managers. Staying current with evolving analytical techniques and software is also essential for success in this dynamic field.

What is spatial ecology?

Spatial ecology is a branch of ecology that studies how the distribution and arrangement of organisms, populations, and ecosystems are influenced by spatial patterns and processes. It examines how factors like habitat fragmentation, landscape structure, and movement across space affect biodiversity and ecological interactions. Spatial ecologists use tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial statistics to analyze these patterns and inform conservation and management strategies.

What is the difference between Spatial Ecology vs Conservation Biologist?

AspectSpatial EcologyConservation Biologist
Required CredentialsDegree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field; GIS and spatial analysis skillsDegree in Biology, Ecology, or Environmental Science; fieldwork experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, GIS officesFieldwork, research institutions, conservation organizations
Industry UsageEcological research, spatial data analysis, habitat modelingWildlife conservation, policy advocacy, habitat management

Spatial Ecology focuses on analyzing spatial patterns and processes in ecosystems using GIS and spatial data, while Conservation Biologists work to protect species and habitats through research and policy. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their primary focus and methods.

What are popular job titles related to Spatial Ecology jobs in Florida? For Spatial Ecology jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Spatial Ecology jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Spatial Ecology jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Spatial Ecology jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Spatial Ecology job openings:
Infographic showing various Spatial Ecology job openings in Florida as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution.
Assistant Professor in Marine Biology and Ecology - Marine Biomedical Science or Quantitative Sys...

Assistant Professor in Marine Biology and Ecology - Marine Biomedical Science or Quantitative Sys...

The University of Miami

Miami, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


University Of Miami rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees:
If you are a current Staff, Faculty or Temporary employee at the University of Miami, please click here to log in to Workday to use the internal application process. To learn how to apply for a faculty or staff position, please review this tip sheet.
Assistant Professor in Marine Biology and Ecology - Marine Biomedical Science or Quantitative Systems Ecology
The Department of Marine Biology and Ecology (MBE) at the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the broad areas of Marine Biomedical Science or Quantitative Systems Ecology. We seek innovative scientists with an outstanding research and education record who can enrich our department through cutting-edge research, engaged teaching, mentoring, and service.
Position Overviews
Marine Biomedical Science
We seek a researcher who will bridge marine organismal biology, physiology, and environmental health with biomedical or translational relevance. The successful candidate will develop a vibrant, externally funded research program that complements a departmental mission to understand how environmental and physiological stressors, such as hypoxia, infection, aging, pollution, and climate change affect health and disease across species. We are particularly interested in candidates who use marine or aquaculture models to study topics such as:
  • Stress physiology, immunology, or neurobiology in marine organisms
  • Molecular or cellular responses to disease, environmental change, pollutants, or pathogens
  • Aquatic models of cancer including tumor initiation, progression, and environmental co-factors
  • Marine microbial ecology and microbiome studies tied to organismal health or adaptation
  • Marine ecosystem health and links to human infectious and chronic disease
  • Comparative or translational approaches linking aquaculture species to human health
  • Sustainable aquaculture, nutrition, and microbiome-host interactions
  • Marine natural products or bioactive compounds with biomedical potential

Quantitative Systems Ecology
We seek a researcher who will focus on the quantitative study of population, community, and landscape/seascape ecology. The ideal candidate would be a field-based population/community ecologist working in coastal systems, who applies modern approaches in causal inference, experimental ecology, spatial modelling, and data science, including the use of machine learning to produce rigorous quantitative analyses. We particularly encourage candidates who would develop research and education programs in the following areas:
  • Local ecosystems such as coastal bays (i.e., Florida Bay, Biscayne Bay), coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, and wetlands.
  • Fisheries, protected species, and coastal ecosystem management, potentially in collaboration with scientists at the NOAA NMFS and AOML laboratories, and the NOAA's Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) housed at the Rosenstiel school.
  • Quantitative analysis of marine population and ecosystem dynamics in relation to anthropogenic impacts including coastal development, climate, and pollution.
  • Seascape dynamics, including animal movement and trophic interactions, and influences of human and natural drivers on habitat composition and configuration

The appointee will join a dynamic, cross-disciplinary research community with strengths in neuroscience, genetics and genomics, physiology, environmental toxicology, microbiology, climate-health science, fisheries science and policy, aquaculture, quantitative and coastal ecology and engineering, social science, atmospheric science, geology, and oceanography. The position includes opportunities for collaboration with the Glassell Family Center for Marine Biomedicine, the Robert K. Johnson Center for Marine Conservation, the Climate Resilience Institute, the Institute for Data Science and Computing, which maintains one of the top academic supercomputing facilities in the US, and access to state-of-the-art core facilities (including the Experimental Hatchery and the National Aplysia Resource). In addition to collaborations with Rosenstiel faculty, marine biomedical candidates are encouraged to consider potential collaborations with faculty at UM's Miller School of Medicine Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The Rosenstiel School has a 96- foot shallow-draft UNOLS vessel for inshore-to-offshore ocean research, a fleet of small boats (15-36 ft) for easy access to local coastal ecosystems (mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs) and well-established scientific diving and boating programs. The Rosenstiel campus offers access to seawater facilities, including indoor labs and state-of-the science outdoor coral and aquaculture facilities.
The Department of Marine Biology and Ecology consists of 25 faculty working in ecology, restoration, genomics, fisheries, toxicology, physiology, immunology, and diseases of marine organisms. The Department has active doctoral, master's, and professional master's graduate programs and a large undergraduate program. Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant field, appropriate postdoctoral training, a robust publication record, and be able to demonstrate strong funding potential. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to UM academic programs through research, teaching, mentorship, and advising of both graduate and undergraduate students.
The Department of Marine Biology and Ecology recognizes that good science and innovation benefit from different approaches and points of view. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, and we are continuously striving to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves. The successful candidate must have a clearly articulated vision of how their work at Rosenstiel will contribute to an academic environment where all students, staff, and faculty can thrive by developing a strong sense of culture and belonging.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and separate statements of research and teaching interests, which also describe a vision towards facilitating a culture of belonging at the Rosenstiel School as well as the names and contact information of at least three references.
The position will remain open until filled, but to receive full consideration, applications should be received by April 15. We anticipate conducting Zoom interviews in the spring and in person interviews in the fall with an anticipated start date of spring 2027. Questions may be directed to MBEsearch@earth.miami.edu.
The University of Miami is a private university that promotes free and independent inquiry and expression from a variety of perspectives.
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.
Job Status:
Full time
Employee Type:
Faculty

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The University of Miami, located in the beautiful Coral Gables, Florida, is a comprehensive, private research institution in the United States. Operating within the higher education industry, the institution offers a multitude of degree programs spanning over 180 majors and program through its 12 colleges. The University was founded in 1925 with the mission to disseminate knowledge, transform lives, and change the world - a mission it has held faithfully to this day. Notably, the University of Miami has gained global recognition for its commitment to research and innovation, with over $324 million in research and sponsored project funding awarded annually.

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