Assistant Professor - Evolutionary and/or Quantitative Biology

University of North Carolina Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at UNCW invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in population/conservation genetics, evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, data science, and ecological/spatial modeling, starting in 2027–2028.

We seek candidates who study biodiversity, adaptation, and responses to environmental change using quantitative genomics, phylogenetics, or statistical modeling.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology or a closely related field; ABD candidates considered, PhD conferred by Aug 1, 2027
• Post-doctoral research experience; strong potential for excellence in research and teaching

Responsibilities

• Teach at graduate and undergraduate levels in core Biology/Marine Biology areas
• Teach biostatistics and computational methods at graduate and undergraduate levels
• Foster inclusiveness and contribute to department diversity and excellence

Skills

Population genetics

Conservation genetics

Evolutionary genomics

Bioinformatics

Biostatistics

Data science

Ecological modeling

Spatial modeling

Phylogenetics

Mathematical modeling

Education

PhD in Biology

Tools

R

Python

Genomics tools

Job description

Position Title

Assistant Professor - Evolutionary and/or Quantitative Biology

External Link to Posting

https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/41168

College

College of Science and Engineering - 323 College

Dept/School

Biology & Marine Biology - 32310

Vacancy Number

16F-814

Position Number

719

Location of Workplace

Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in areas of population/conservation genetics, evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, data science, and ecological and/or spatial modeling, starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. We seek individuals who study the patterns and processes that structure biodiversity, drive adaptation, and determine how species respond to environmental change in any system. We are particularly interested in applications from candidates who employ quantitative techniques such as genomics, phylogenetics, or mathematical/statistical modeling to address fundamental questions.

The successful candidate will contribute to the Department's teaching mission at both the graduate and undergraduate levels in core areas of our Biology and Marine Biology curriculum and other courses, as determined by the candidate's interests and departmental needs. Individuals who can teach biostatistics and computational methods at the graduate and undergraduate levels are especially encouraged to apply. The Department is particularly interested in the candidate's ability to foster a welcoming environment for students, staff, faculty, and community members.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• PhD in Biology or a closely related field.
• PLEASE NOTE: ABD candidates will be considered; however, the PhD must be conferred by August 1, 2027, to be eligible for employment.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Post-doctoral research experience.
• Strong potential for excellence in both research and teaching.

Required Certifications or Licensure

No Required Certifications or Licensure

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

Department of Biology and Marine Biology supports excellent undergraduate and graduate programs, with an emphasis on hands‑on involvement of undergraduates in research and other applied learning activities. We offer B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in both Biology and Marine Biology, and a Ph.D. in Integrative, Comparative and Marine Biology. Research and education are supported by core facilities on campus and at Center for Marine Science (CMS), located 6 miles from the main university campus. We have an active faculty involved in a variety of research areas including cell/molecular biology and bioinformatics, microbiology, developmental biology, coastal and estuarine ecology, invertebrate and vertebrate biology, and environmental biology.

Modern Biology increasingly impacts the non-scientific world, facilitating solutions to technological, environmental, ethical, philosophical and political issues that are important to society. The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at UNCW strives to train the next generation of scientists and educators and prepare all students to make sound judgments based on a solid foundation of biological principles. The department provides an environment in which excellent teaching coupled with diverse research opportunities encourage our faculty to become leaders in their discipline.

Our teaching emphasizes current theories of biological science, knowledge of basic investigative skills, and methods of critical inquiry. Our research programs, in both applied and basic aspects of discovery, value investigations of biological phenomena that impact the quality of life in our region and beyond. We lend our professional expertise to all endeavors that work for the improvement of the human condition and our environment. We believe the importance of modern biological principles must transcend the university classroom and enable our students to contribute as global citizens. In the pursuit of excellence, our department actively fosters, encourages, and promotes mutual respect, acceptance and open‑mindedness among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

Excellent support for research is provided in unique departmental facilities on campus such as The Oriole Burevitch Large Animal Necropsy Facility and UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program as well as the Richard Dillaman Microscopy Facility. Resources at the Center for Marine Science (CMS) include DNA sequencing facility, mass spectrometry facility, nutrient analysis lab, high performance computing cluster, running seawater systems and wet labs, a marine operations facility that includes five shops (dive, oceanographic instrumentation with a 7,000 gallon seawater test tank, aquaculture, and boat repair), a dock and fleet of research vessels ranging in size from 13 ft. to our newly commissioned 73 ft. vessel to facilitate water‑based research activities. The Marine Biotechnology Center, Algal Resources Collection, and Shellfish Research Hatchery are collocated with CMS and support additional interdisciplinary research opportunities.

The department has an excellent record of faculty development and mentorship and is committed to assisting new faculty to succeed. In the pursuit of excellence, our department actively fosters, encourages, and promotes inclusiveness, mutual respect, acceptance and open‑mindedness among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. The department is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

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.

CSE students work with distinguished faculty and scientists, use cutting edge technology, and conduct impactful research. Faculty‑directed research projects empower CSE students to apply what they learn inside the classroom and laboratory to real‑world situations and prepares them for a variety of careers or advanced study.

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. UNW 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

Single Incumbent

Special Notes to Applicants

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on November 23, 2026, the posting close date.

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to CSE Employment Coordinator, Christy Langdon ([e-mail]), while questions regarding the position can be directed to the Search Committee Co‑Chairs, Dr. Martin Posey ([e-mail]) and Dr. Kara Yopak ([e-mail]).

Position Type

Permanent

Job Posting Date

10/21/2026

Job Close Date

11/23/2026