Assistant Professor

University of North Carolina at Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Geology starting August 2027.

We seek a geologist focused on igneous or metamorphic petrology, with field and laboratory methods, to teach undergraduate and graduate courses and mentor student research while developing an externally funded program.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geology, Geosciences, Earth Sciences, or closely related field.
• ABD considered but PhD must be conferred by Aug 1, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses across geology.
• Advise and mentor student research.

Skills

Geology

Petrology

Field work

Laboratory methods

Teaching

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Geology

Tools

Petrographic microscopes

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Prior to the official appointment to UNCW, the candidate selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on official transcripts and other documentation as required.

College College of Science and Engineering - 323 College

Dept/School

Dept/School Earth and Ocean Sciences - 32341

Vacancy Number

Vacancy Number 16F-793

Position Number

Position Number 1540

Location of Workplace

Location of Workplace Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences ( EOS ) in the College of Science and Engineering ( CSE ) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington ( UNCW ) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position to support our Geology program with appointment beginning in August 2027.

We seek a geologist whose focus is on igneous or metamorphic petrology, ideally employing field and laboratory methods. Applications are strongly encouraged by experts on ‘hard-rock’ topics including mineralogy, volcanology, high-temperature geochemistry, and the interplay between tectonics and surface processes.

The successful candidate will support core competencies in our Geology and Geoscience programs through teaching, advising, and mentoring student research. This position carries a full-time 3:2 teaching load of 15 contact hours per academic year, including both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses. Tenure-track faculty are also expected to develop a robust, externally funded research program in their area of expertise, facilitate interdisciplinary departmental collaboration, participate in managing the department’s geology facilities and collections, and engage in academic, professional, and community service in EOS , CSE , and UNCW .

Our department is committed to the view that we all benefit from the uniqueness of our students, staff, and faculty and their experiences and perspectives. We believe that our students, faculty, and curriculum are essential elements in that vision. We are seeking a colleague who shares that commitment and is interested in being an integral part of EOS . Online teaching may be required for the position.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

A Ph.D. in Geology, Geosciences, Earth Sciences, or a closely related discipline.Please note: Applicants who are ABD for the terminal degree may be considered; however, the PhD must be conferred by August 1, 2027,to be eligible for employment.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Strong record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations (or related academic accomplishments) in the broad areas of igneous‑metamorphic petrology, mineralogy, volcanology, high-temperature geochemistry, and tectonics.
• Success, or potential for success, in obtaining external funding from government agencies or foundations (e.g., NSF , USGS , DoE, NASA , or equivalent).
• Commitment to undergraduate instruction beyond teaching assistantship duties, including teaching large‑enrollment introductory courses, smaller upper‑division and graduate courses, and mentoring independent research and other high‑impact learning experiences.
• Experience or interest in teaching in the field (including field techniques and field course/camp).
• Experience or interest in the bedrock geology of the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern USA .
• Experience or interest in maintaining geology laboratory facilities and collections, including the departmental Geologic Materials Preparation Laboratory, petrographic microscopes, and extensive mineral and rock collections used for teaching and research. Interest or success in outreach efforts to increase visibility, engagement, and support for Geology/Geosciences initiatives.

Required Certifications or Licensure

No Required Certifications or Licensure

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The Department of EOS https://uncw.edu/earsci/ offers the following degrees: B.S. in Geology, B.S. in Oceanography, B.A. in Geosciences, B.A. in Geography and Geospatial Science, M.S. in Geoscience, and Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Information Science. Department faculty also advise students through the M.S. of Marine Science, and Ph.D. in Applied Coastal Ocean Sciences. EOS maintains an outstanding record of research and scholarship and provides powerful undergraduate and graduate student experiences that include applied learning, field studies, and mentored research. UNCW maintains a wide range of analytical facilities in support of research and teaching, including spaces and equipment for mineralogy, petrology, optical microscopy, sedimentology, tectonics, geospatial analysis, UAS technology, electron microscopy, stable isotope mass spectrometry, and aqueous chemistry.

College/School Information

The College of Science and Engineering offers a variety of programs leading to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, as well as Doctor of Philosophy degrees in applied coastal and ocean sciences; pharmaceutical chemistry; integrative, comparative, and marine biology; and psychology degrees. The college also offers combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs in information technology/computer science and information systems, computer science/computer science and information systems, and B.S. in mathematics/M.S. in mathematics. To implement its academic programs, the college provides instruction and research opportunities in the natural and behavioral sciences, information technology, data science, computer science, mathematics, pre-engineering, and engineering. The eight academic departments in the college provide courses of study in each of these areas, in addition to interdepartmental programs in information technology, cybersecurity, and digital arts. A 2+2 in engineering; and 3+2 programs in computer science and electrical or computer engineering; and physics and electrical engineering, are also offered in the college. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs in environmental studies, applied statistics, and geographic information science are also available.

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world‑class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Number of Openings

Position Type

Position Type Permanent

Job Posting Date

Job Posting Date 09/25/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 01/04/2027

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Combined Unofficial Graduate Transcripts
• Teaching Philosophy
• Research Summary
• List of 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

• Other

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you learn of this opportunity with UNCW? (2026)
  • UNCW Website
  • UNCW LinkedIn Page
  • UNCW X Account (formerly Twitter)
  • UNCW Employee Referral
  • UNCW Instagram Account (UNCW_jobs)
  • UNCW Job Alert
  • Chronical of Higher Education
  • Glassdoor
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Indeed
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • North Carolina Job Network
  • Craigslist
  • Career Events/Job Fairs
  • Billboards/Marquee
  • Other
• If you responded "other" above, please indicate where you learned of the faculty opportunity at UNCW:

  (Open Ended Question)