Research Scientist; Multi-Positions

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please Note: This is a temporary position. The length of the assignment will be based on department need with the possibility of continuation.

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to- BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities:
High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

The position requires reviewing and analyzing current scientific and technical literature; designing, adapting, and implementing computational methods, algorithms, software, simulations, prototypes, and experimental procedures to meet specific research objectives.

The Temporary Research Scientist independently conducts research activities, collects, manages, analyzes, and interprets experimental and computational data, and documents research methods, results, and findings. Work requires sufficient theoretical and technical knowledge to work effectively in the assigned area of inquiry, as well as independent judgment in planning and conducting research activities, troubleshooting technical challenges, evaluating results, and identifying appropriate next steps.

Responsibilities may include developing and testing software and computational tools; working with artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or other emerging technologies as appropriate to the project; preparing technical documentation, research reports, presentations, publications, and other project deliverables; and contributing to grant-funded research activities.

Work may also include training, mentoring, and providing technical guidance to graduate and undergraduate students, research assistants, or other project personnel in specific research methods, software tools, data collection procedures, and technical activities. The position works under the general supervision of a principal investigator or faculty research supervisor, with progress and results reviewed through periodic meetings, reports, presentations, and other research deliverables in relation to established project objectives.

As a guide, graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in a related area.

N/A

No Required Certifications or Licensure

Work Hours Varies

Work Days Varies

Hours Per Week Varies

Anticipated Hiring Range $20.00 - $35.00/hour

Please Note: This is a temporary position. The length of the assignment will be based on department need with the possibility of continuation.

Job Posting Date 09/04/2026

Job Closing Date 11/15/2026

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his…