Assistant Professor

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.

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.

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.

PhD in Marine Biology, or related field.

N/A

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

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.