Assistant Professor - Structural Geology

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

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in field-based Structural Geology and Tectonics with an August 2027 start. The successful candidate will teach Structural Geology, participate in field-based curricula, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students while developing an externally funded research program.

The department emphasizes field observations, geologic mapping, and integration of data into coursework.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geology, Geosciences, Earth Sciences, or a closely related discipline is required at the time of appointment.
• ABD applicants may be considered; however, the PhD must be conferred by August 1, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Teach upper-level courses in Structural Geology and participate in the department's field-based curriculum.
• Lead field trips and field techniques courses; mentor undergraduate and graduate research.
• Establish and maintain an externally funded research program involving field-based student research.

Skills

Research productivity

Field techniques teaching

Undergraduate instruction

Outreach and engagement

Education

Ph.D. in Geology/Geosciences/Earth Sciences

ABD considered; PhD by Aug 1, 2027

Job description

Position Title

Assistant Professor - Structural Geology

External Link to Posting

https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/41017

College

College of Science and Engineering - 323 College

Dept/School

Earth and Ocean Sciences - 32341

Vacancy Number

16F-811

Position Number

4015

Location of Workplace

Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences (EOS) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in field-based Structural Geology and Tectonics with appointment beginning in August 2027. We seek a geoscientist who uses field observations and geologic mapping as fundamental tools for investigating crustal deformation, tectonic processes and hazards, and the evolution of Earth's lithosphere. Experience and interest in applied learning, including leading field trips and field techniques courses, and engaging students in research is highly desirable. We encourage applicants whose research focuses on structural geology and tectonics across a range of spatial and temporal scales. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, structural geology, active tectonics/neotectonics and associated hazards, and tectonic deformation and evolution of continental and/or oceanic lithosphere.

The successful candidate will establish and maintain an externally funded research program that involves field-based undergraduate and graduate student research and may integrate geologic mapping and structural analysis with complementary analytical, geo-/thermo- chronologic, geochemical, geophysical, remote-sensing, computational, or experimental approaches. We seek a colleague who will complement and strengthen existing departmental expertise. Teaching responsibilities will support core competencies in our Geology and Geoscience programs including upper-level courses in Structural Geology and significant participation in the department's field-based curriculum, including techniques courses and the summer Field Course. The successful candidate will also teach courses in their area of expertise and may contribute to introductory Earth and Ocean Science courses as required by departmental needs. The ability to teach students fundamental skills in geologic mapping, structural analysis, and the collection, interpretation, and integration of field data into coursework and research is a critical component of the position. This position carries a full-time 3:2 teaching load of 15 contact hours per academic year, and a commitment to departmental, University, and professional service.

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 Earth and Ocean Sciences (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 is required at the time of appointment.

• 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 area of structural geology, active tectonics/neotectonics and associated hazards, and tectonic deformation and evolution of continental and/or oceanic lithosphere.
• Success, or potential for success, in obtaining external research funding from government agencies and/or foundations (e.g. NSF, USGS, DoE, NASA, or equivalent) to maintain a productive research lab.
• Experience teaching field techniques in structural geology and tectonics (field trips and/or field course/camp).
• Commitment to undergraduate instruction beyond teaching assistantship duties, including teaching large-enrollment introductory courses (may include online course formats), smaller upper-division and graduate courses, and mentoring independent research and other high-impact learning experiences.
• 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. 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. UN 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

Position Type

Permanent

Job Posting Date

10/12/2026

Job Close Date

01/04/2027