Assistant Professor

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in North Carolina is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor focused on Coastal ecology, to be based at the Institute of Marine Sciences in Morehead City. You will establish an innovative research program and teach courses supporting EMES and E3P majors, with external funding pursued.

The position emphasizes field-based research, collaboration with nearby institutions, and commitment to training students and contributing to public policy through

Qualifications

• PhD in marine biology or related field.
• Experience with estuarine or coastal ecology is preferred.
• Ability to develop an independent, externally funded research program.

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in marine biology.
• Develop and lead a coastal/estuarine research program.
• Collaborate with IMS and EMES partners and secure external funding.

Skills

Coastal ecology

Field research

Teaching/mentoring

Grant writing

Education

PhD in Marine Biology

Job description

Posting Information

Department 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

Qualifications

Hiring Range Dependent on Experience and/or Qualifications

Proposed Start Date 07/01/2027

Position Information

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.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit

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.

Department Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Janet Nye, Professor

Department Contact Telephone or Email [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.