Job Description

Brief Summary of Work for this Position
The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for multiple tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Cell and Molecular Biology starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. We seek mechanistically focused molecular biologists whose research is designed to understand fundamental biological processes. The ideal candidates will utilize functional molecular tools in biomedically relevant experimental systems to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying cellular function, development, or physiology. Research programs addressing foundational or applied questions relevant to health and disease are highly desirable.

These positions are a key component of UNCW’s strategic growth in the health sciences, with the expectation that the successful candidates will actively integrate with and support our developing biomedical initiatives.

Successful candidates will contribute to the Department’s teaching mission at both the graduate and undergraduate level in pre-health and biomedically oriented courses such as Cellular/Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Mycology, Genetics, Physiology, or related areas as determined by the candidate’s interests and departmental needs. Successful candidates will incorporate both undergraduate and graduate students into their research program.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field. Please note: ABD candidates will be considered; however, the PhD must be conferred by August 1, 2027, to be eligible for employment.
Post-doctoral research experience.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Strong potential for excellence in research.
Strong potential for excellence in teaching.
Demonstrated ability to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, staff, faculty, and community members.
Required Certifications or Licensure
No Required Certifications or Licensure
Primary Function of Organizational Unit
The Department of Biology and Marine Biology supports excellent undergraduate and graduate programs, with an emphasis on hands-on involvement of undergraduates in research and other applied learning activities. We offer B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in both Biology and Marine Biology, and a Ph.D. in Integrative, Comparative and Marine Biology. Research and education are supported by core facilities on campus and at the Center for Marine Science (CMS), located 6 miles from the main university campus. We have an active faculty involved in a variety of research areas including cell/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.
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.
EEO Statement
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.
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 Multi-Positions
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 will be accepted until 11:59PM EST on 11/16/2026, the posting close date. Applicants are required to submit the following items in Adobe PDF or MS Word format online at https://jobs.uncw.edu/41035:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Teaching Philosophy (2-page max)
Research Summary – A statement of research interests that highlights how the applicant could make use of departmental expertise or resources (2-page max)
List of 3 Professional References. References will be requested during a later stage of the applicant screening process.**If ABD at time of application one reference must be from Dissertation Chair.
If needed, applicants may upload additional materials under the ‘Other’ category.
Questions regarding the application process can be directed to CSE Employment Coordinator, Christy Langdon ([email protected]), while questions regarding the position can be directed to the Search Committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Steve Kinsey ([email protected]) and Dr. Jake Warner ([email protected]).