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 Biological Oceanography who will be on our main campus in Chapel Hill.

We seek innovative candidates who investigate the distribution, abundance, diversity, and interactions of marine organisms across spatial and temporal scales, and who examine how these dynamics influence marine ecosystem function, resilience, and global biogeochemical cycles. We welcome candidates whose research addresses fundamental questions in marine ecology and oceanography using field-based, experimental, observational, computational, and/or integrative approaches.

Potential areas of research include, but are not limited to, marine food web dynamics, plankton ecology, biodiversity and community structure, coastal and ocean ecosystem processes, organism-environment interactions, fisheries, and biological responses to environmental change. We especially encourage candidates who employ innovative interdisciplinary approaches that bridge biological oceanography with related fields, including marine biogeochemistry, physical oceanography, environmental genomics, remote sensing, ecological modeling, and/or data science (AI and machine learning). We are particularly interested in candidates whose research programs will foster strong collaborations within EMES and leverage the department's existing strengths to advance understanding of marine ecosystems in a changing world.

The successful candidate is expected to develop and maintain a vibrant, externally funded research program and contribute to the department's mission of training the next generation of marine and environmental scientists. The candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses that support our EMES ( https://emes.unc.edu/) and Environment, Ecology & Energy Program ( https://e3p.unc.edu) majors and minors, incorporating experiential and research-based learning opportunities that build practical skills in field sampling, experimental design, quantitative analysis, data management, and scientific communication. The successful candidate is also expected to mentor graduate students conducting Biological Oceanography research and is encouraged to connect teaching and research to North Carolina systems.

In addition to excellent campus-based resources, EMES offers field, laboratory, and experimental infrastructure through its Institute of Marine Sciences ( https://emes.unc.edu/ims/) located in Morehead City, providing campus-based faculty with direct access to diverse coastal habitats, long-term environmental monitoring resources, and an AAUS scientific diving program.

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 Coastal Ecology position at IMS 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 Biological Oceanography. 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.