Distinguished Professor - Marine Sciences

Distinguished Professor – Marine Sciences

College: College of Science and Engineering - 323 College

Dept/School: Biology & Marine Biology - 32310

Vacancy Number: 16F-748

Position Number: 386

Brief Summary of Work: The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for the Frank Hawkins Kenan Distinguished Professor of Marine Sciences position. This is a nine‑month, full‑time faculty appointment at the rank of Professor with Tenure, beginning in August 2026. Candidates must be available to start at that time.

We seek individuals who have established outstanding research programs in any area of marine biology and who will actively contribute to departmental teaching and service. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in marine biology or a closely related discipline and currently be employed at the rank of Associate Professor with Tenure or above. Preference will be given to candidates who have achieved international prominence in their field and demonstrate an exceptional record of scholarly accomplishments, including publishing high‑impact scientific research, securing extramural funding, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and engaging in other significant scholarly activities.

Competitive candidates will also be expected to develop a 10‑year strategic plan to implement synergistic and collaborative initiatives that enrich and strengthen the university’s academic and community environment.

Minimum

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in marine biology or an associated area of science
• Currently employed at the rank of Associate Professor with Tenure or above
• Demonstrated eligibility for the rank of Professor with Tenure at UNCW

Preferred Education, Knowledge,

Skills & Experience:

• International prominence in the field of marine biology
• Exceptional record of scholarly accomplishments, including:
  • Publishing high‑impact scientific research
  • Securing extramural funding
  • Mentoring graduate students
  • Engaging in other significant scholarly activities
• Record of achievement appropriate for appointment at the rank of Full Professor

Required Certifications or Licensure: No Required Certifications or Licensure

Our teaching emphasizes current theories of biological science, knowledge of basic investigative skills, and methods of critical inquiry. Our research programs, in both applied and basic aspects of discovery, value investigations of biological phenomena that impact the quality of life in our region and beyond. We lend our professional expertise to all endeavors that work for the improvement of the human condition and our environment.

We believe the importance of modern biological principles must transcend the university classroom and enable our students to contribute as global citizens.

Excellent support for research is provided in unique departmental facilities on campus such as The Oriole Burevitch Large Animal Necropsy Facility and UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program as well as the Richard Dillaman Microscopy Facility. Resources at the Center for Marine Science include DNA sequencing facility, mass spectrometry facility, nutrient analysis lab, high performance computing cluster, running seawater systems and wet labs, a marine operations facility that includes five shops (dive, oceanographic instrumentation with a 7,000 gallon seawater test tank, aquaculture, and boat repair), a dock and fleet of research vessels ranging in size from 13 ft.

to our newly commissioned 73 ft. vessel to facilitate water‑based research activities. The Marine Biotechnology Center, Algal Resources Collection, and Shellfish Research Hatchery are collocated with CMS and support additional interdisciplinary research opportunities.

We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Eligibility for Employment: Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to…