Job Search

The University of Washington School of Oceanography seeks applications for two full-time, 9-month faculty positions at the level of tenure-track Assistant Professor in the broad fields of Biological Oceanography and Marine Geological Processes. The anticipated start date of the position(s) is September 16, 2024. 

Review for both the Biological Oceanography position and the Marine Geological Processes position will begin on December 1, 2023. Applications will be considered until the positions are filled.

About The School

Our academic unit is highly multidisciplinary and promotes a collegial culture with broad interdisciplinary research ties throughout the School and across the UW campus. UW faculty are expected to engage in research, teaching, and service. The successful candidates for these positions will develop new or expanded areas of expertise within the School of Oceanography and collaborate with colleagues within the School and across the University. The candidates will be expected to contribute to the teaching mission of the School, including teaching across different topics, at the graduate and undergraduate levels. In all aspects of the positions, the candidates will be expected to promote a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Our School strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds, who bring a range of perspectives and life experiences, are welcomed, heard and supported. You can learn more about our School’s efforts (and those of the College and UW) at School of Oceanography College of the Environment. We seek candidates who will contribute substantially to these efforts, and encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

Position 1: Biological Oceanography

This position will specialize in the study of the ecological or biogeochemical roles of organisms and communities in the dark ocean. The successful candidate will be expected to expand the School’s research and teaching efforts in biological oceanography, contributing to an improved understanding of microbes, zooplankton or invertebrates in pelagic, sediment, hydrothermal, seep, or subseafloor environments. Subspecialty expertise could fall within a range of areas, including evolution, ecology, physiology, or biogeochemistry of organisms and communities. We welcome a full range of approaches, including field observations, laboratory studies, and modeling.

Position 2: Marine Geological Processes

This position will specialize in the study of geological processes in the ocean. The successful candidate will be expected to expand the School’s research and teaching efforts in marine geology and geophysics, contributing to an improved understanding of tectonic, sedimentary, and/or geochemical cycles. Subspecialty expertise could fall within a wide range of areas, including but not limited to earthquake seismology, geophysical imaging, geochemistry, geohazards, geomorphology, geochemistry, geohazards, hydrogeology, hydrothermal and seep processes, seafloor geodesy, sedimentology, and/or stratigraphy. We welcome the full range of approaches, from field observations and data analysis to laboratory or numerical simulations and theoretical modeling.

The base salary range for these positions will be $9,500-$14,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with the positions may include a moving allowance, a relocation incentive and/or limited commitment of summer salary.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree, or foreign equivalent, in Oceanography or a related field by the start date of the appointment.

Applicants are asked to describe plans for innovative and high quality research, teaching, and mentoring that contribute to an inclusive and equitable campus environment. We are committed to a holistic review of applicants, recognizing that applicants have varying life circumstances, pandemic experiences, and access to resources. Broad categories to be considered during the reviewing process include an applicant’s research creativity and accomplishments, research vision, teaching, mentoring, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), potential at the UW, and leadership. To apply, applicants should upload the following materials to Interfolio. cover letter is not requested and will not be included in the review process. Text beyond the maximum page limits will not be evaluated:  

(1) a curriculum vitae that includes educational background, positions held, and a list of publications, including those under review, among other relevant activities (for example, conferences, fieldwork, teaching and mentoring experiences, leadership experience, service, and outreach).

(2) a research statement (maximum 3 pages). This statement is an opportunity for the applicant to outline the strength and creativity of their past and ongoing research, their broad vision for future research, their potential to contribute to and lead research collaborations at the UW, leveraging existing expertise and facilities (for example, our research vessels, the RegionalCabled Array, other academic units), and their experience and commitment to research mentoring and inclusive practices.

(3) a teaching statement (maximum 2 pages ). This statement is an opportunity for the applicant to summarize their formal and informal teaching experiences, their educational mentoring experiences, their approach to inclusive teaching, their experience with evidence based teaching, and their strategies and plans for how they might contribute to the undergraduate and graduate curriculum in the School of Oceanography, from introductory to specialized courses. More information about teaching in the School of Oceanography can be found by examining the requirements of our undergraduates https://www.ocean.washington.edu/story/Bachelor_Degrees_in_Oceanography  and those of the graduate program https://www.ocean.washington.edu/story/Current_Graduate_Students.  

(4) a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement (maximum 2 pages). This statement is an opportunity for the applicant to highlight experiences with enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, educational and other settings, and to describe future goals and specific ways applicants might help or lead efforts to advance the School’s commitments to DEI. 

(5) the names, affiliations and contact information for four references.

Applications will be considered until the positions are filled. Questions regarding the application process or any potential disability accommodations during the application and interview process can be directed to oceanjob@uw.edu.