INTRODUCTION

The Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track position as an Assistant or Associate Professor in physical oceanography. We seek candidates with physical oceanographic expertise, which can range from turbulent microscales to submesoscale processes. All areas of physical oceanography will be considered, but candidates whose research program includes the study of mixing in marine waters (with application to coastal and open-ocean settings) are preferred. Research approaches can include field observations, numerical modeling, and/or laboratory experiments.

The Department of Marine Sciences (www.marinesciences.uconn.edu) has 18 tenure-track faculty members, 5 research faculty, 10 affiliated faculty and research scientists, and an average enrollment of 45 graduate students and 70 undergraduate majors. The new hire will join the physical oceanography group as part of an ongoing strategic plan to enhance the Marine Sciences program. The faculty position aligns with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) strategic plan towards advancing interdisciplinary scholarship in the Academic Themes of “The Earth and its Future” and “Big Data” (https://clas.uconn.edu/research). The University, Department and its faculty have state-of-the-art research facilities including the R/V Connecticut, smaller vessels, other field instrumentation (e.g., buoys, gliders, ROVs, and wire-following profiler), high-performance computing facilities, analytical instrumentation, and research laboratories that support a strong record of research excellence. The Department’s facilities are based at the Avery Point campus, which is part of the blue technology hub on the southeastern Connecticut coast.

There will be opportunities for collaboration with existing faculty in marine sciences, engineering, and other departments throughout the University. The Department’s academic programs offer its students the support of a small campus setting, coupled with the resources of a large public research university and internationally renowned scientists. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core institutional and departmental values. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in their research, teaching, and/or service.

The successful candidate is expected to grow an independent, internationally recognized, extramurally funded research program that engages and trains graduate and undergraduate students in oceanography and contributes to the Department’s research mission in marine sciences through scholarly publications and grants. Teaching duties may include existing undergraduate and graduate courses in marine sciences, particularly introductory oceanography, physical oceanography, and environmental or geophysical fluid dynamics, as well as specialized courses in the candidate’s area of expertise. Advising undergraduate and graduate students is required. Professional service to the Department, the University, and the scientific community is also expected.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in oceanography, coastal engineering, or a related field by August 23, 2024.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of strong research and publication records commensurate with time since Ph.D.
• Research skills and experience appropriate to the advertised position.
• Capacity to teach marine sciences courses including introductory oceanography, physical oceanography, and fluid dynamics to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Ability to support and mentor graduate students in oceanography.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Postdoctoral experience, or equivalent, relevant to the position at the time of appointment.
• Evidence of potential to generate and grow an extramurally funded innovative research program.
• Research skills and experience corresponding to the preferred research area of the position.
• Experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in marine sciences related to the advertised position.
• Evidence of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through pedagogy, research, public engagement, and/or other professional activities.
• Interest in collaborating within multidisciplinary environments.
• Demonstrable ability to contribute to Department and College strategic priorities through research, teaching, service, and/or public engagement.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2024. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful candidate's primary academic appointment will be at the Avery Point Campus.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26424 and submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae,
• Research and scholarship statement (innovative concepts that will form the basis of academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.);
• Teaching statement (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.);
• Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.);
• Names and contact information for 3 letters of reference. The search committee will request letters directly from these contacts after the first-round review of applications.

Evaluation of applicants will begin January 3, 2024. For more information regarding the Department of Marine Sciences please visit the Department's website at http://www.marinesciences.uconn.edu/. Applicants should add the email address marinesciences@uconn.edu as a safe sender.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

 The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.