Assistant Professor

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Prior to the official appointment to UNCW, the candidate selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on official transcripts and other documentation as required.

College College of Science and Engineering - 323 College

Dept/School

Dept/School Earth and Ocean Sciences - 32341

Vacancy Number

Vacancy Number 16F-793

Position Number

Position Number 1540

Location of Workplace

Location of Workplace Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences ( EOS ) in the College of Science and Engineering ( CSE ) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington ( UNCW ) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position to support our Geology program with appointment beginning in August 2027.

We seek a geologist whose focus is on igneous or metamorphic petrology, ideally employing field and laboratory methods. Applications are strongly encouraged by experts on ‘hard-rock’ topics including mineralogy, volcano logy, high-temperature geochemistry, and the interplay between tectonics and surface processes.

The successful candidate will support core competencies in our Geology and Geoscience programs through teaching, advising, and mentoring student research. This position carries a full-time 3:2 teaching load of 15 contact hours per academic year, including both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses. Tenure-track faculty are also expected to develop a robust, externally funded research program in their area of expertise, facilitate interdisciplinary departmental collaboration, participate in managing the department’s geology facilities and collections, and engage in academic, professional, and community service in EOS , CSE , and UNCW .

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 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.
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 areas of igneous‑metamorphic petrology, mineralogy, volcano logy, high-temperature geochemistry, and tectonics.
• Success, or potential for success, in obtaining external funding from government agencies or foundations (e.g., NSF , USGS , DoE, NASA , or equivalent).
• Commitment to undergraduate instruction beyond teaching assistantship duties, including teaching large‑enrollment introductory courses, smaller upper‑division and graduate courses, and mentoring independent research and other high‑impact learning experiences.
• Experience or interest in teaching in the field (including field techniques and field course/camp).
• Experience or interest in the bedrock geology of the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern USA .
• Experience or interest in maintaining geology laboratory facilities and collections, including the departmental Geologic Materials Preparation Laboratory, petrographic microscopes, and extensive mineral and rock collections used for teaching and research. Interest or…