Research Technician; TIME-LIMITED

Note

This position is time‑limited with the possibility of continuation pending availability of funds and departmental need.

Research Technician (TIME‑LIMITED)

This time‑limited position is offered at the Journey level. Applicants must meet competency and training requirements.

• Oversee daily operations of the Coastal Plant Ecology Lab, including organization, scheduling, and logistics
• Coordinate and participate in field sampling in coastal and estuarine environments
• Operate and trailer small boats for field-based research activities
• Supervise and train undergraduate students in field and laboratory methods
• Assist with laboratory processing of ecological samples (e.g., biomass, sediment, nutrient preparation)
• Maintain field and laboratory equipment, including routine upkeep and inventory
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols for field and lab activities
• Maintain accurate records and assist with data organization and quality control
• Support grant‑funded project logistics and reporting needs

High school diploma and one year of directly related experience. Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, marine biology, environmental science, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience in marine or coastal field ecology
• Ability to safely operate small boats and trailer boats
• Ability to swim and work safely in aquatic environments
• Experience organizing or coordinating field or laboratory activities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience managing or coordinating research labs or field teams
• Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate students
• Familiarity with coastal habitat monitoring (e.g., seagrass, marsh, estuarine systems)
• Experience with field instrumentation (e.g., GPS, water quality sondes)
• Experience with laboratory sample processing and data management
• Boating safety certification (e.g., NASBLA) and/or trailer experience

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license

Full‑time employees are eligible for comprehensive benefits, including dental, vision, and health insurance. Health insurance eligibility begins the first of the month following hire. Retirement plan contributions begin after election, with employer contributions toward a defined contribution or defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are available. Full‑time employees qualify for a tuition waiver program that covers up to three undergraduate or graduate courses per academic year, with an additional UNCW course covered each summer.

Additional benefits include free access to the Campus Recreation Center, vaccine and booster shots, meditation and yoga sessions, voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, pre‑tax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays, 24 hours of paid community service leave, paid vacation and sick leave accrual, and family medical leave after 12 months of continuous service. Training and development programs are offered through the Dare to Learn Academy and employee assistance program, many provided free of charge.

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (including gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutory established eligibility criterion for state‑funded employee benefit programs.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and 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 verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Posting closes on 08/03/2026 (11:59 PM Eastern time).