Postdoctoral Scholar in Marine Spatial Ecology – Seagrass Monitoring & Mapping – UNCW

SAV Monitoring/Mapping CoP
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The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in Marine Ecology to join the Jarvis Lab (https://www.coastalplantecologylab.org/) beginning in Summer 2025. This is a full-time, 12-month position funded by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) with the opportunity for annual renewal through May 2027.

This position will support an interdisciplinary research program focused on the analysis and synthesis of seagrass mapping (Tier 1) and monitoring (Tier 2) data across the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine System. The successful candidate will integrate aerial imagery and field-based percent cover and species composition data to evaluate spatial and temporal dynamics of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). This work will directly inform regional management strategies and support APNEP’s SAV Monitoring and Assessment Team (SAV MAT) objectives.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in marine biology, environmental science, spatial ecology, or a related field (conferred within the past 5 years or by the appointment start date).
  • Demonstrated experience in spatial and temporal ecological data analysis.
  • Proficiency in GIS and statistical programming (e.g., R, Python).
  • Strong publication record.
  • Familiarity with SAV ecology, remote sensing, and estuarine ecosystem management is preferred.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct original research integrating geospatial and ecological data.
  • Collaborate with academic and agency partners.
  • Present research findings to both scientific and stakeholder audiences.
  • Contribute to grant writing and manuscript preparation.
  • Develop and implement an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in coordination with faculty mentor Dr. Jessie Jarvis.

This position is based at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science in Wilmington, NC. UNCW provides outstanding facilities for coastal and marine research and a collaborative academic environment.

To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of three professional references, and representative publication(s) at University of North Carolina Wilmington Employment Opportunities | CSE Postdoctoral Scholar - (Marine Ecology). Application review will begin immediately; applications must be submitted by June 2, 2025, to receive full consideration.

For inquiries, contact Dr. Jessie Jarvis (jarvisj@uncw.edu).

UNCW is an R2 institution and an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. We strongly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups.