Research Specialist

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is being recruited at the Journey level. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers. Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces.

Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally. As a member of the Seahawk community, you’ll benefit from a culture that values well‑being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well‑being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Recruitment Range $55,055 – $64,000

The salary range advertised is the designated recruitment range for this classification. Final salary offers will be determined by the candidate’s education, relevant experience, internal equity alignment, and departmental budgetary parameters.

Vacancy Number S02922

Position Title Research Specialist

Working Title Research Specialist

The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science ( CMS ) is recognized both nationally and internationally for conducting research that contributes to the understanding of environmental processes and problems. CMS strives to engage communities to address societal issues and promote use‑inspired innovations. Research at CMS includes a variety of fields such as aquaculture; coastal water resources, risks and resilience;

coastal and ocean observing and modeling; ecosystem health; genomics and bioinformatics; human health and preclinical research; marine and coastal biology; marine geology and paleo climate; marine technology; natural products chemistry; and ocean and coastal policy. Currently, there are more than 150 scientists, staff, and students housed at or working with the unit. The teaching and research facility located on the Intracoastal Waterway in southeastern North Carolina features state of the art core facilities in spectrometry and spectroscopy, light stable isotopes, biotechnology, aquaculture, DNA and water quality analysis as well as running seawater systems, a coastal workboat fleet and a wide range of oceanographic equipment that are available to all CMS researchers.

CMS supports educational programs related to coastal and marine science, including the Applied Coastal and Ocean Science Ph.D. program and MS Marine Science degree as well as courses and students from various marine‑science related academic departments across the breadth of UNC​W. It also supports several outreach entities, including NC Sea Grant, the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Marine Quest, among others.

College Center for Marine…