Assistant Professor
- Employer
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
View more categoriesView less categories
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
Earth Marine Environmt Sci - 318000
Posting Open Date:09/11/2026
Application Deadline:11/16/2026
Open Until Filled:No
Position Type:Permanent Faculty
Working Title:Assistant Professor
Appointment Type:Tenured/Tenure Track
Vacancy ID:FAC0006088
Full-time/Part-time:Full-Time Permanent
Hours per week:40
FTE:1
Position Location:North Carolina, US
Hiring Range:Dependent on Experience and/or Qualifications
Proposed Start Date:07/01/2027
Be a Tar Heel!:The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences (EMES) at UNC-Chapel Hill is seeking a tenure-track faculty member at the Assistant Professor level in Coastal marine ecology who will be based at the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) in Morehead City, NC.
We seek candidates to develop an innovative and collaborative research program in estuarine and coastal ecology with a strong emphasis on field research and experiential learning. Potential areas of research focus include, but are not limited to community ecology, integrative conservation ecology, plankton ecology, fisheries ecology and marine apex predators. We welcome candidates who use molecular techniques, novel sensors and/or quantitative analysis to address fundamental questions in coastal marine ecology. The successful candidate will develop a world-class research program, teach undergraduate and graduate courses that support EMES and Environment, Ecology & Energy Program (E3P) majors and minors, including the Morehead City IE Field site, and pursue external funding.
The position will be based at the Institute of Marine Sciences, located in Morehead City, NC, an essential facility and integral part of the Earth Marine and Environmental Sciences (https://emes.unc.edu/) department and many other departments at UNC-Chapel Hill. IMS offers immediate access to local ecosystems and is embedded within a collaborative network of nearby universities (i.e., North Carolina State University’s Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, Duke University Marine Lab), state (NC Division of Marine Fisheries) and federal (NOAA Beaufort Lab) research and management institutions. Infrastructure includes a 50,000-sqft office and laboratory complex, 5,500-sqft wet lab, 6,000-sqft machine shop, 25,000-sqft outdoor mesocosm farm, and 2,250-sqft dormitory. IMS maintains a fleet of trucks/vans and research vessels (17-48’), an AAUS-certified dive program as well as the US’s longest longline shark survey. Research, teaching, outreach and service to the state are important components of the mission of IMS “to conduct cutting-edge research, train young scientists, provide expertise to governmental agencies and industry, and to promote new knowledge to inform public policy.” For more information about IMS, please visit http://ims.unc.edu/.
Complete applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), the names and contact information of four references, and teaching and research statements. Applicants who are also interested in the Biological Oceanography position on the main campus of UNC at Chapel Hill should submit separate applications for each position. Applications for both positions will be accepted through November 16, 2026.
The Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences (EMES) at UNC-CH advances understanding of the earth and ocean processes that govern our planet, shape diverse ecosystems, sustain life, and drive environmental change. We promote exploration and discovery of the natural world by engaging students in research-based learning at all levels. Our graduates are equipped with the strong science foundation, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives required to tackle current and future environmental and resource challenges. We encourage engaged service that translates knowledge for the public good.
Position Summary:This tenure-track Assistant Professor position focuses on Coastal Ecology. This position will teach graduate and undergraduate courses and conduct research in the field of Marine Biology.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:PhD in Marine Biology, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:N/A
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:Not Applicable.
Organization
The nation’s first public university is at the heart of what’s next, preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators and leaders in North Carolina and throughout the world. Carolina’s nationally recognized, innovative teaching, campus-wide spirit of inquiry and dedication to public service continue the legacy that began in 1795 when the University first opened its doors to students.
Here, in one of America's most beautiful college settings, we offer exceptional careers in richly diverse fields. Come explore what UNC-Chapel Hill has to offer you.
Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,117
Graduate/Professional Enrollment: 10,894
Total Student Enrollment: 30,011
Founded: 1789, as the first state university in the United States
Type of Institution: Public, four-year
Undergraduate Admission: 15,961
Graduate/Professional Enrollment: 10,039
Total Student Enrollment: 26,000
Faculty: 3,000
Percentage of faculty who hold Ph.D.s or the highest degrees in their field: 94 percent
Faculty/student ratio: 1/14
Location: UNC is located in the heart of Chapel Hill, the best college town in America! It's a friendly town of about 40,000 in the geographical center of North Carolina. Chapel Hill is at the western point of the Research Triangle, an area of about one million people, comprised of Chapel Hill, the cities of Durham and Raleigh, and the Research Triangle Park, home of many corporate offices and scientific research centers. Carolina is about 30 miles from the state capital, Raleigh, and 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Chapel Hill's main street, Franklin Street, borders the campus and offers shops, coffee houses, cafés, movie theaters and houses of worship. The town has a historic district, museum, library, parks, malls, and many recreational facilities.
Origins of Carolina's students: 82 percent of UNC's freshmen are from North Carolina and 18 percent are from out-of-state. Our students come from 42 different states and our international students represent 37 countries.
Size of freshman class: Approximately 3,400
Class size: Barely five percent of undergraduate classes contain more than 100 students; two-thirds of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 students. Forty-one percent have fewer than 20 students, including First Year Seminars, in which first-year students work closely with professors.
Sports and athletic programs: UNC is an NCAA Division I school with 28 varsity teams. Carolina is the proud home of the Dean Smith Center, Kenan Stadium, Carmichael Auditorium, Koury Natatorium, and many other fine athletic facilities. Students join more than 60 intramural and club sports, which include baseball, bowling, crew, golf, lacrosse, rock climbing, rugby, tae kwon do, and ultimate frisbee. The Student Recreation Center offers weight training, aerobics, stair machines, and all the equipment you would expect to find at a great health club! Carolina offers a newly renovated outdoor pool and indoor pools, a golf course, tennis courts, and the longest zipline in America!
Number of residence halls: Incoming undergraduates will live in one of Carolina's 29 residence halls, which are wired for Internet access and cable television. housing.unc.edu
Scholarships and financial aid: About 40 percent of UNC-Chapel Hill students receive scholarships and/or some form of financial aid. studentaid.unc.edu
Special research institutes: Institute for Research in Social Science, Institute of Outdoor Drama, Morehead Planetarium, Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, Institute of Government, Institute of African American Research.
Career services: On-campus counseling, job fairs, résumé writing service, internships, placement services. www.unc.edu/depts/career
Technological facilities: Students find multiple uses for Carolina's state-of-the-art technological resources. They can access Carolina's computer services through Academic Technology and Networks, which manages academic computing, e-mail, microcomputing labs, interactive media presentation, video and classroom support, and a help desk. The MetaLab oversees the development of SunSITE, one of the world's busiest digital library and electronic publishing projects.
Students may open e-mail accounts, and many use campus computer resources to construct personal Web pages. Students in residence halls have hardwired network connections to the Internet and cable television in their rooms. At the ATN Training center, students may take classes on software packages and utilities. Computer labs are available for student use all over campus.
Carolina Computing Initiative: Beginning with the freshman class of 2000, undergraduates must purchase laptop computers. The University has arranged for IBM to offer computers at excellent prices. Students, faculty, and staff will enjoy cost savings, higher quality compatible equipment, and better technical support through CCI. www.unc.edu/cci
The Study Abroad program allows students to live and learn in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Rim, Africa, and the Americas. www.unc.edu/depts/abroad
The Honors Program offers special seminars, research programs, and the chance to design your own independent studies. www.unc.edu/depts/honors
Carolina students spend time in public service through student organizations, the Campus Y, the Carolina Center for Public Service, and courses that incorporate community service.
UNC's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a national collegiate honor society, is the oldest in North Carolina, dating from 1904. There are many other honorary societies at Carolina.
UNC offers ROTC programs in all branches of national military service.
Through the First Year Seminars program, first year students will understand what it means to study at a premier research university. They will learn from faculty members and share in their research in seminars of no more than 20 students.
Life outside the classroom: More than 370 clubs, teams, and student organizations offer something for everyone! You can choose from among musical and dramatic performing groups, publications, ethnic and religious clubs, the Campus Y and other service organizations, fraternities and sororities, and pre- professional organizations. Whatever your interests, you will find others at Carolina who share them! www.unc.edu/depts/union/student/listintr.htm
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