Assistant Professor in Physical Oceanography

The University of Rhode Island; Kingston (RI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography invites applications for an assistant professor in physical oceanography. The position emphasizes coastal ocean research with a strong teaching and mentorship component at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program and contribute to MO, MS, and PhD programs. In-person duties are expected at URI’s Kingston campus with access to advanced facilities.

Qualifications

• PhD in physical oceanography or closely related field by hire.
• Demonstrated scholarly achievement through publications, presentations, honors, or awards.
• Demonstrated potential for developing an independently funded research program.
• Research strengths that complement GSO and affiliated departments.
• Demonstrated teaching potential that complements GSO programs.
• Proficiency in written communication.
• Proficiency in interpersonal and oral communication.
• Ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate and undergraduate classes.
• Advise graduate students and participate in research committees.
• Develop an externally funded research program.

Skills

Scholarly communication

Teaching potential

Interpersonal communication

Diversity & inclusion

Funding potential

Education

PhD in physical oceanography

Job description

80 Lower College Road, Kingston, RI 02881

Assistant Professor in Physical Oceanography

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

If you would like tobookmark this position for later review, click on the Bookmark link. If you would like to print a copy of this position for your records, click on the Print Preview link.

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please attach the following 5 (PDF) documents to your online Faculty Employment Application:

(#1) Cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position (as one complete document).

(#2) A complete curriculum vitae including the full contact information for at least three professional references (as one complete document).

(#3) A research plan, limited to two pages, describing your current and future research and how it relates to the required qualifications (as one complete document).

(#4) Statement of Teaching Philosophy - a narrative, limited to one page, describing your teaching background and philosophy (as one complete document).

(#5) Other Document - reprints of up to 3 publications that you feel best highlight your suitability for the position (as one complete document).


PLEASE NOTE: References will be upon request by the search committee.

Position Information

Job Title

Job Title Assistant Professor in Physical Oceanography

Job Description Summary, Duties and Responsibilities, Required Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications

Search will be open until filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by December 6, 2026. Applications received after December 6, 2026 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.
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About URI :

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State’s flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.
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THE POSITION WILL BE IN- PERSON .

The Graduate School of Oceanography ( GSO ) at the University of Rhode Island ( URI ) invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor within the broad specialization of physical oceanography. Oceanographers with a focus on the coastal ocean are encouraged but not required. The position will be an academic year (9-month) appointment. The new hire will enter the vibrant research community at URI and the many neighboring academic institutions within New England. Opportunities exist to participate in the active sea-going community of GSO , the East Coast Oceanographic Consortium, and to utilize facilities including a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory, an active small boats program, a new UNOLS Regional Class Research Vessel (anticipated delivery date 2028), and a regional high performance computing center. We invite individuals with a strong commitment to research and excellent teaching and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

We seek innovation and inspiration for the next generation of ocean scientists, educators, and explorers. As such, we particularly welcome candidates who have demonstrated leadership towards building an equitable and inclusive scholarly environment.

POSITION SUMMARY :

The successful candidate will contribute to the teaching of graduate and undergraduate classes, and contribute to the GSO graduate programs (MO, MS and PhD) through advising and research committee participation. The candidate is expected to develop an externally funded research program.


QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED :


1. PhD or equivalent by the time of position hire appointment in physical oceanography or closely related field.

2. Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement as shown by publications, presentations at scientific meetings, honors, patents, and/or awards.

3. Demonstrated potential for the development of an independently funded research program as shown by research statement or previously funded grants and/or awards.

4. Research strengths that complement existing programs at GSO and in affiliated departments.

5. Demonstrated teaching potential that complements existing programs at GSO and in affiliated departments.

6. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.

7. Demonstrated proficiency in interpersonal and oral communication skills.

8. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

PREFERRED :

1. Potential for interdisciplinary collaborations.

2. Teaching and mentoring experience.

3. Post PhD research experience.

4. Interest and experience in observational, and particularly seagoing, research or instrument development.

5. Previous success with research funding.

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EEO Statement:

URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state’s public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.

Union

Union AAUP - American Assoc of Univ Professors

Status

Status Academic Year, Full-time, Tenure-track, Permanent

End Date of Restriction or Limitation

Department Information

Department

Department GSO Dean

Contact(s)

Please note: Job applications must be submitted directly online only at: (https://jobs.uri.edu)

Contact Email

Campus Location

Grant Funded

Grant Funded No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach the following 5 ( PDF ) documents to your online Faculty Employment Application:

(#1) Cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position (as one complete document).

(#2) A complete curriculum vitae including the full contact information for at least three professional references (as one complete document).

(#3) A research plan, limited to two pages, describing your current and future research and how it relates to the required qualifications (as one complete document).

(#4) Statement of Teaching Philosophy – a narrative, limited to one page, describing your teaching background and philosophy (as one complete document).

(#5) Other Document – reprints of up to 3 publications that you feel best highlight your suitability for the position (as one complete document).


PLEASE NOTE : References will be upon request by the search committee.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have or will have a PhD or equivalent by the time of position hire appointment in physical oceanography or closely related field?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have demonstrated record of scholarly achievement as shown by publications, presentations at scientific meetings, honors, patents, and/or awards?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have demonstrated potential for the development of an independently funded research program as shown by research statement or previously funded grants and/or awards?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have research strengths that complement existing programs at GSO and in affiliated departments?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have demonstrated teaching potential that complements existing programs at GSO and in affiliated departments?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have demonstrated proficiency in interpersonal and oral communication skills?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations?
  • Yes
  • No
• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Public Job Posting
  • Internal Job Posting
  • Agency Referral
  • Advertisement/Publication
  • Personal Referral
  • Website
  • Other
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