Assistant Professor of Watershed Science and Management
College: College of Science and Engineering - 323 College
Dept/School: Environmental Sciences - 32351
Vacancy Number: 16F-790
Position Number: 676
Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus
Brief Summary of Work for this Position:
The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington seeks to hire a nine-month tenure-track Assistant Professor of Watershed Science and Management starting 9 August 2027. The workload for this position is 50% teaching, 40% research, and 10% service.
This is not a remote position, and the candidate may need to teach both in person and online. The successful candidate is expected to teach 5 courses per year (fall and spring semesters). Courses taught will include Introduction to Environmental Sciences (EVS 195), Wetlands Ecology and Management (EVS 489), and one or more of the following courses:• EVS 410: Environmental Modeling• EVS 518: Fundamentals of Applied Environmental Research• EVS 519: Advanced Applied Environmental Research
This position requires a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring students through applied coursework and research. Candidates must maintain an active, applied, field-based research program that broadly informs watershed conservation and management and provides meaningful research opportunities for undergraduate and non-thesis graduate students. While supervision of thesis-based master's or doctoral students is not a primary expectation, such opportunities may be available through collaborations with other departments or the Center for Marine Science. Scholars focused on theory or basic ecology/biology/physical science need not apply.
The successful candidate will also contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional service and be expected to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment. Community-engaged research and partnerships with relevant stakeholders are encouraged.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
Candidates may be ABD but must have a doctoral degree, or equivalent, in Watershed Science, Wetland Ecology, Wetland Management, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field by 1 August 2027.
Candidates must have experience teaching in a classroom setting, publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and presenting at conferences/symposia.
Recent doctoral graduates and post-docs, academics with previous tenure-track experience, and non-academic professionals (e.g., nonprofit, federal or state government, or private sector careers) with a doctoral degree in a relevant field are encouraged to apply.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
N/A
Required Certifications or Licensure:
No Required Certifications or Licensure
Primary Function of Organizational Unit:
The Department of Environmental Sciences focuses on the relationships among the social, physical, chemical, and biological aspects of natural and built environments. The department offers an interdisciplinary curriculum, drawing upon the resources of many related fields to provide the rigorous analysis necessary to understand environmental problems and formulate environmentally-sound solutions. Our curriculum inspires students to become active and engaged environmental stewards.
College/School Information:
The College of Science and Engineering offers a variety of programs leading to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, as well as Doctor of Philosophy degrees in applied coastal and ocean sciences; pharmaceutical chemistry; integrative, comparative, and marine biology; and psychology degrees. The college also offers combined bachelor's/master's degree programs in information technology/computer science and information systems, computer science/computer science and information systems, and B.S. in mathematics/M.S. in mathematics. To implement its academic programs, the college provides instruction and research opportunities in the natural and behavioral sciences, information technology, data science, computer science, mathematics, pre-engineering, and engineering. The eight academic departments in the college provide courses of study in each of these areas, in addition to interdepartmental programs in information technology, cybersecurity, and digital arts. A 2+2 in engineering; and 3+2 programs in computer science and electrical or computer engineering; and physics and electrical engineering, are also offered in the college. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs in environmental studies, applied statistics, and geographic information science are also available.
CSE students work with distinguished faculty and scientists, use cutting edge technology, and conduct impactful research. Faculty-directed research projects empower CSE students to apply what they learn inside the classroom and laboratory to real-world situations and prepares them for a variety of careers or advanced study.
University Information:
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 20,000 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.
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 verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Number of Openings: Single Incumbent
Special Notes to Applicants:
Prior to the official appointment to the university, the candidate(s) 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.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on November 5, 2026 (the posting close date). To apply, please complete the online application process available at https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/40495 and attach the following materials as an Adobe PDF document including:
1) Cover Letter
2) Curriculum Vita
3) Teaching philosophy including mentorship style
4) Statement of research interests describing past research contributions and a vision for an applied, student-engaged research program at UNCW
5) Two writing samples (peer reviewed preferred)
6) Contact information for three professional references. If ABD at time of application, one reference must be from Dissertation Chair.
Please direct questions concerning the search to Dr. Joni Thomas Backstrom, Chair of the Search Committee, at [contact details available in the full listing]. For questions regarding the online application process, contact Ms. Suzanne Mullins at [contact details available in the full listing].
Position Type: Permanent
Job Posting Date: 08/21/2026
Job Close Date: 11/05/2026
To apply, visit https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/40611
UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as 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 statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.
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