Working Title
Research Technician (TIME-LIMITED)
Home Department
Biology & Marine Biology - 32310
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Biology and Marine Biology Department supports both an excellent undergraduate program, with an emphasis on hands-on involvement of undergraduates in research and other activities, as well as a nationally recognized Master’s Program. Among our newest degree offerings is a Ph.D. in Marine Biology taking advantage of the wide array of local coastal and offshore habitats and the facilities of the Center for Marine Science located 6 miles from the main university campus. We have an active faculty involved in a variety of research interests including molecular biology and systematics, coastal and estuarine ecology, invertebrate and vertebrate biology, and environmental biology.
College
College of Science and Engineering - 323 College
College/School Information
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 18,000 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.
Location of Workplace
Main UNCW Campus
Brief Summary of Work for this Position
- Oversee daily operations of the Coastal Plant Ecology Lab, including organization, scheduling, and logistics
- Coordinate and participate in field sampling in coastal and estuarine environments
- Operate and trailer small boats for field-based research activities
- Supervise and train undergraduate students in field and laboratory methods
- Assist with laboratory processing of ecological samples (e.g., biomass, sediment, nutrient preparation)
- Maintain field and laboratory equipment, including routine upkeep and inventory
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols for field and lab activities
- Maintain accurate records and assist with data organization and quality control
- Support grant-funded project logistics and reporting needs
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. High school and one year of directly related experience required to perform the assigned duties.
Preferred education, professional skills and experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, marine biology, environmental science, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated experience in marine or coastal field ecology
- Ability to safely operate small boats and trailer boats
- Ability to swim and work safely in aquatic environments
- Experience organizing or coordinating field or laboratory activities
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Experience managing or coordinating research labs or field teams
- Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate students
- Familiarity with coastal habitat monitoring (e.g., seagrass, marsh, estuarine systems)
- Experience with field instrumentation (e.g., GPS, water quality sondes)
- Experience with laboratory sample processing and data management
- Boating safety certification (e.g., NASBLA) and/or trailer experience
Required Certifications or licensure
Valid NC driver’s license
FTE
1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
Months Per Year
12 Months
Work Days
Monday - Friday
Work Hours
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Type of Position
Time-limited
Anticipated Ending Date if Time-Limited
04/30/2027
Job Posting Date
07/08/2026
Posting Close Date
08/03/2026
Number of Openings
Single Incumbent
Special Notes to Applicants
This position is time-limited with the possibility of continuation pending availability of funds and department need.
PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application, including the ‘Work History’ section before you apply for this position. Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.
This position is being recruited at the Journey level. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
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.
External Link to Posting
https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/40022
