A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences (EMES) and the Institute of Marine Sciences 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 support a welcoming and inclusive environment, foster diverse identities and perspectives, and encourage collaboration with all segments of society.

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences (EMES) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for the Inaugural Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. The applicant's project topic can be in any EMES-related field that will leverage the Department's unique research resources, strengths, sites, and facilities, contribute to or complement ongoing research efforts, and expand current research areas and expertise within the Department. Applications are especially encouraged from applicants proposing an interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary project that promotes convergence [i.e., addressing a challenging research problem, especially one focusing on societal needs - that is (1) driven by a compelling issue, (2) requires integration across disciplines] and addresses a novel research question that falls within EMES' research mission and draws on the expertise and participation of two or more intellectually diverse EMES faculty members. The EMES Postdoctoral Research Fellow will join a vibrant postdoctoral community in the EMES Department and UNC and will be free to create a unique and novel research agenda, informally advise graduate and undergraduate students in collaboration with EMES faculty and collaborate with other EMES faculty. The Fellow will also be able to teach courses if desired, consistent with their career goals and approved by the mentoring team. The EMES Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program will extend applicants' education and training and advance their research careers. Applications to the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program in Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences must be received by March 1, 2024. Award notification will occur on or before May 31, 2024. The awardee can begin the postdoctoral appointment any time between July 1, 2024, and February 1 of the year following the award notification. The awardee must physically reside within the Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences Department either in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, or at the Institute of Marine Sciences in Morehead City, North Carolina, for the duration of the award. Applicants should communicate directly with EMES faculty to assemble a team comprising of at least two faculty members who will serve as their mentors.
A one-paragraph mentors' statement of endorsement will be required as part of the application. Information about the expertise of EMES faculty members and their research areas is available on our website at https://emes.unc.edu/tenured-tenured-track-faculty/.

Ph.D. in an EMES-related research area.

Applicants should have (or expect to receive before the start of the appointment) a Ph.D. in an EMES-related research area.

The most competitive applicants will have a strong research profile with a record of scholarly publication in one or more of the fields listed above or related fields.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here


Instructions for Document Upload

Please upload a Project Proposal as "Other Document". The proposal should include, in the following order, clear statements of i) the proposed research question and hypotheses, ii) the proposed methodology and approaches, iii) the significance of the proposed work, and iv) the resources necessary to carry out the project, and whether or not they are currently available at EMES or UNC. The applicant should pay particular attention to describing the novelty, multidisciplinary, and convergent nature of the project and why the assembled team is necessary to address it. (Maximum three pages, including figures; a fourth page may be added for references).

Please upload mentors' statement of endorsement as "Other Document 2". A one-paragraph mentors' statement of endorsement will be required as part of the application. Information about the expertise of EMES faculty members and their research areas is available on our website at https://emes.unc.edu/tenured-tenured-track-faculty/.

Cover letter instructions: As part of the cover letter, please include a signed introductory letter to the committee describing the project's significance and how it will benefit the Fellow's career and the EMES Department. The letter should also include the names of proposed EMES faculty mentoring team members and indicate the preferred appointment location (main campus, IMS, or both). (Maximum two pages)

References: Names of two references outside of UNC (one must be applicant's PhD advisor).

Writing/Research Samples:Please submit two representative publications (must be accepted, in press, or published).

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.