Assistant Professor - Invertebrate Biology

Assistant Professor Invertebrate Biology

College: College of Science and Engineering - 323 College

Dept/School: Biology & Marine Biology - 32310

Vacancy Number: 16F-747

Position Number: 655

Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus

The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant Professor position in Invertebrate Biology starting in August 2026. Research areas within the broad umbrella of Invertebrate Biology may include working with invertebrates in marine, freshwater, or terrestrial systems. Expertise of the applicant can range from cellular or organismal biology to community ecology and biodiversity, including the use of invertebrates as model systems.

Successful candidates will contribute to the Department's teaching mission at both the graduate and undergraduate level in core areas of our Biology and Marine Biology curriculum and other courses, as determined by the candidate's interests and departmental needs. The Department is particularly interested in the candidate's ability to foster a welcoming environment for students, staff, faculty, and community members.

Candidates must have a PhD, post‑doctoral research experience, and strong potential for excellence in both research and teaching. The Department of Biology and Marine Biology has an excellent record of faculty development and mentorship and is committed to the success of new faculty as we continue to grow our strategic research and teaching missions.

• Ph.D. in Marine Biology or a closely related discipline.
  
  Note:
  
  Applicants who are ABD for the terminal degree may be considered if the expected doctoral degree is conferred by August 1, 2026
  , to be eligible for employment.
• Postdoctoral research experience or equivalent professional research experience at the time of appointment.
• Strong potential for excellence in both research and teaching.
• Ability to teach core courses in Biology and Marine Biology and contribute to graduate and undergraduate education.

• Demonstrated ability to develop an independent, externally funded research program in invertebrate biology.
• Experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in biology and mentoring students in research.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity, such as publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and complement existing departmental strengths.
• Experience leveraging regional ecosystems and/or UNCW research facilities for field or laboratory studies.
• Strong potential to engage students in experiential learning opportunities, including fieldwork and research projects.
• Familiarity with modern analytical or molecular techniques applicable to invertebrate biology.

No required certifications or licensure.

The Department of Biology and Marine Biology supports an excellent undergraduate program, with an emphasis on hands‑on involvement of undergraduates in research and other applied learning activities. Our Ph.D., Master’s and undergraduate programs are supported by core facilities on campus and at the Center for Marine Science, located six miles from the main university campus. The department’s research spans molecular biology, microbiology, developmental biology, coastal and estuarine ecology, invertebrate and vertebrate biology, and environmental biology.

We provide modern biological principles that impact the quality of life in our region and beyond, fostering a supportive environment for faculty and students.

The College of Science and Engineering offers a variety of programs leading to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in applied coastal and ocean sciences; pharmaceutical chemistry; integrative, comparative, and marine biology; and psychology. The college also offers combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs in information technology/computer science, information systems, and mathematics. It offers…