CSE Postdoctoral Scholar - (Marine Ecology)

The College of Science and Engineering at University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar to begin Summer 2025. A UNCW postdoctoral scholar is a 12-month full-time temporary non-faculty position with a potential to renew for up to 2 years.

The lab of Dr. Jessie Jarvis at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in the field of marine spatial ecology. Broadly, this candidate will work on an interdisciplinary and integrated project focusing on the analysis and synthesis of seagrass mapping (Tier 1) and monitoring (Tier 2) data. The project will incorporate aerial imagery and field data on percent cover and species composition to assess the spatial and temporal dynamics of SAV in the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuary. This integrated work will directly support APNEP's SAV Monitoring and Assessment Team ( SAV MAT) objectives and contribute to ecosystem management and conservation strategies.

UNCW postdoctoral scholars gain important training and research experience through their relationship with the university in ways that support and fulfill the research, scholarship, and teaching missions of the institution. The primary responsibility of the postdoctoral scholars is to conduct research and, upon initial appointment, may provide oversight of research projects and personnel, project management, assistance in the development and writing of proposals and manuscripts, data acquisition, higher-level interpretation of computational results, and comprehensive data analysis. These activities may be carried out in both field and laboratory settings.

The UNCW postdoctoral scholar will develop an Individual Development Plan ( IDP) in coordination with their faculty mentor, (insert name). They may also participate in professional development programming offered through the University.

The candidate should have experience in spatial ecology with a successful publication record, demonstrated experience in integrated spatial, temporal and analyses of ecological datasets, and proficiency in GIS and statistical software (e.g., R, Python, or similar).

The UNCW postdoctoral scholar will:

The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington ( UNCW) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Marine Ecology. This is a full-time, fixed-term position funded by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership ( APNEP) to address critical needs in the integrated monitoring and assessment of submerged aquatic vegetation ( SAV).

This is a 1-year term appointment with an opportunity for renewal year to year, contingent on the availability of funding through May 31, 2027.

Postdoctoral appointments are term-limited based on the availability of funding. Postdoctoral scholars are typically assigned 12-month full-time appointments for a 1-2 year term appointment not to exceed a total of five years.

No Required Certifications or Licensure

The Department of Biology and Marine Biology supports an excellent undergraduate program, with an emphasis on hands-on involvement of undergraduates in research and other applied learning activities. We also have a Ph.D. in Integrative, Comparative and Marine Biology, and Master's programs in both Biology and Marine Biology. Research and education are supported by core facilities on campus and at the Center for Marine Science, located 6 miles from the main university campus. We have an active faculty involved in a variety of research areas including molecular biology and bioinformatics, microbiology, developmental biology, coastal and estuarine ecology, invertebrate and vertebrate biology, and environmental biology.

Modern Biology increasingly impacts the non-scientific world, facilitating solutions to technological, environmental, ethical, philosophical and political issues that are important to society. The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at UNCW strives to train the next generation of scientists and educators and prepare all students to make sound judgments based on a solid foundation of biological principles. The department provides an environment in which excellent teaching coupled with diverse research opportunities encourage our faculty to become leaders in their discipline.

Our teaching emphasizes current theories of biological science, knowledge of basic investigative skills, and methods of critical inquiry. Our research programs, in both applied and basic aspects of discovery, value investigations of biological phenomena that impact the quality of life in our region and beyond. We lend our professional expertise to all endeavors that work for the improvement of the human condition and our environment. We believe the importance of modern biological principles must transcend the university classroom and enable our students to contribute as global citizens. In the pursuit of excellence, our department actively fosters, encourages, and promotes mutual respect, acceptance and open-mindedness among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

Excellent support for research is provided in unique departmental facilities on campus such as The Oriole Burevitch Large Animal Necropsy Facility and UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program as well as the Richard Dillaman Microscopy Facility. Resources at the Center for Marine Science ( CMS) include; DNA sequencing facility, mass spectrometry facility, nutrient analysis lab, high performance computing cluster, running seawater systems and wet labs, a marine operations facility that includes five shops (dive, oceanographic instrumentation with a 7,000 gallon seawater test tank, aquaculture, and boat repair), a dock and fleet of research vessels ranging in size from 13 ft. to our newly commissioned 73 ft. vessel to facilitate water-based research activities. The Marine Biotechnology Center, Algal Resources Collection, and Shellfish Research Hatchery are collocated with CMS and support additional interdisciplinary research opportunities.

The department has an excellent record of faculty development and mentorship and is committed to assisting new faculty to succeed. In the pursuit of excellence, our department actively fosters, encourages, and promotes inclusiveness, mutual respect, acceptance and open-mindedness among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. The department is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Additional information can be found through the Department's Science Access, Inclusion & Diversity webpage and through UNCW's Strategic Priorities and multicultural student success and community belonging efforts.

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.

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 and a community rich in diversity, inclusion and global perspectives.

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.

At the University of North Carolina at Wilmington ( UNCW), our culture reflects our values of inclusion, diversity, globalization, ethics and integrity and innovation and we are committed to providing equality of educational and employment opportunity for all persons without regard to 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. UNCW believes that embracing the unique contributions of our faculty, staff and students is critical to our success and paramount in being recognized for our global mindset.

Please note, this is a postdoctoral position. The length of the assignment will be based on department need with the possibility of continuation. Employees in postdoc positions are considered temporary positions (non-permanent state employees) but do qualify for postdoctoral medical insurance and paid leave, unlike other temporary employees at the university. More information about postdoctoral employees can be found in the Postdoc Handbook.

To receive consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application before you apply for this position. For more info/to apply visit the applicant portal. Applications must be submitted through the online application system by 11:59pm EST of the posting close date to be considered.

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.

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.

To apply, please submit:

NOTE: A minimum of three professional references is required for all applications. * If ABD, one reference must be from Dissertation chair.

Please contact Dr. Jessie Jarvis at jarvisj@uncw.edu