Assistant Professor

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The Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences ( EMES) at UNC-CH advances understanding of the earth and ocean processes that govern our planet, shape diverse ecosystems, sustain life, and drive environmental change. We promote exploration and discovery of the natural world by engaging students in research-based learning at all levels. Our graduates are equipped with the strong science foundation, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives required to tackle current and future environmental and resource challenges. We encourage engaged service that translates knowledge for the public good. We are committed to fostering a supportive academic environment, encouraging the exchange of varied perspectives, and promoting collaboration across disciplines and communities.

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences ( EMES), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is recruiting a Biogeochemist for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful applicant will teach graduate and undergraduate courses and conduct research in the fields of biogeochemistry, marine science, and environmental science.

Biogeochemistry

The Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences ( EMES) is searching for a tenure-track faculty member at the assistant professor level. We seek innovative candidates exploring the intricate connections between biological, geological, and chemical processes that govern the cycling of essential elements and organic matter. A key focus is understanding how these cycles are being altered by human activities and the resulting consequences for ecosystems. Candidates may apply any combination of field, laboratory, and numerical approaches including new technologies to develop insights into biogeochemistry. Potential research areas include, but are not limited to, the roles microbes play in controlling biogeochemical processes and the development of novel strategies for nutrient and carbon removal and recapture. We especially encourage candidates who apply novel interdisciplinary tools to integrate chemical, geological, and biological insights. This includes those who deploy advanced analytical or sensor techniques to better quantify stocks and rates, apply remote sensing to scale processes, or integrate biogeochemical knowledge into ecosystem and Earth system models to improve predictions of future environmental change. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research programs will build strong collaborations with current EMES research, leveraging existing expertise to advance understanding of the global environment.

Individuals in this position are expected to develop and maintain a vital, externally funded research program and will contribute to the departmental mission of training the next generation of scholars in societally relevant earth science problems. The candidate will be expected to teach introductory undergraduate classes that support our growing undergraduate degree programs. EMES has exceptional field and experimental infrastructure at its Institute of Marine Sciences (https://emes.unc.edu/institute-of-marine-sciences) and jointly supported UNC Fluids Lab (https://amath.unc.edu/research/fluid-mechanics/fluids-lab). Applicants must have a doctoral degree in biogeochemistry or a related field at the time of appointment. Application review begins on 15 November 2025.

PhD in Biogeochemistry, or related field.

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If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

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The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.