Assistant Professor - Structural Geology

The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences ( EOS) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington ( UNCW) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in field-based Structural Geology and Tectonics with appointment beginning in August 2027. We seek a geoscientist who uses field observations and geologic mapping as fundamental tools for investigating crustal deformation, tectonic processes and hazards, and the evolution of Earth's lithosphere. Experience and interest in applied learning, including leading field trips and field techniques courses, and engaging students in research is highly desirable. We encourage applicants whose research focuses on structural geology and tectonics across a range of spatial and temporal scales. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, structural geology, active tectonics/neotectonics and associated hazards, and tectonic deformation and evolution of continental and/or oceanic lithosphere.

The successful candidate will establish and maintain an externally funded research program that involves field-based undergraduate and graduate student research and may integrate geologic mapping and structural analysis with complementary analytical, geo-/thermo- chronologic, geochemical, geophysical, remote-sensing, computational, or experimental approaches. We seek a colleague who will complement and strengthen existing departmental expertise. Teaching responsibilities will support core competencies in our Geology and Geoscience programs including upper-level courses in Structural Geology and significant participation in the department's field-based curriculum, including techniques courses and the summer Field Course. The successful candidate will also teach courses in their area of expertise and may contribute to introductory Earth and Ocean Science courses as required by departmental needs. The ability to teach students fundamental skills in geologic mapping, structural analysis, and the collection, interpretation, and integration of field data into coursework and research is a critical component of the position. This position carries a full-time 3:2 teaching load of 15 contact hours per academic year, and a commitment to departmental, University, and professional service.

Our department is committed to the view that we all benefit from the uniqueness of our students, staff, and faculty and their experiences and perspectives. We believe that our students, faculty, and curriculum are essential elements in that vision. We are seeking a colleague who shares that commitment and is interested in being an integral part of Earth and Ocean Sciences ( EOS). Online teaching may be required for the position.

A Ph.D. in Geology, Geosciences, Earth Sciences, or a closely related discipline is required at the time of appointment.

No Required Certifications or Licensure

The Department of EOS ( https://uncw.edu/earsci/) offers the following degrees: B.S. in Geology, B.S. in Oceanography, B.A. in Geosciences, B.A. in Geography and Geospatial Science, M.S. in Geoscience, and Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Information Science. Department faculty also advise students through the M.S. of Marine Science, and Ph.D. in Applied Coastal Ocean Sciences. EOS maintains an outstanding record of research and scholarship and provides powerful undergraduate and graduate student experiences that include applied learning, field studies, and mentored research. UNCW maintains a wide range of analytical facilities in support of research and teaching, including spaces and equipment for mineralogy, petrology, optical microscopy, sedimentology, tectonics, geospatial analysis, UAS technology, electron microscopy, stable isotope mass spectrometry, and aqueous chemistry.

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.

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.

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.

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 UNCW, the candidate 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 will be accepted until, 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on January 4, 2027 (the position's closing date). To apply, please complete the online application process available at https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/41017 and attach the following materials as Adobe PDF files including:

(1) Brief Cover Letter

(2) Curriculum Vitae

(3) Combined unofficial Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts. Please upload these documents under the "Combined Unofficial Graduate Transcripts" category.

(4) Teaching Philosophy Statement, including:

a. Description of teaching interests, practices, and experiences (face-to-face and online),

b. List and brief description of potential undergraduate- and graduate-level course offerings,

c. Plan for actively engaging students in field/applied learning experiences and classroom learning.

(5) Research Summary Statement, including:

a. Summary of research activities and productivity to date,

b. Anticipated future research goals and potential collaborations with EOS faculty.

(6) List of three professional references. References will be requested during the screening process.
*If ABD at the time of application, a letter from the dissertation chair or other appropriate institutional official verifying anticipated degree conferral prior to the position start date is required.

(7) If needed, applicants may upload additional materials under the "Other" category.

Please direct questions concerning the search to Dr. Andrea Hawkes, Chair of the Search Committee, at hawkesa@uncw.edu For questions regarding the online application process, contact Ms. Ghilaine Dallaire at dallaireg@uncw.edu.