Assistant Professor of Marine Science (Marine Bioculturalist, 0084211)

Title: Assistant Professor of Marine Science (Marine Bioculturalist)

Position Number: 84211

Hiring Unit: College of Natural & Health Sciences (CNHS)

Location: UH-Hilo

Date Posted: April 15, 2025

Closing Date: Continuous, first review on or around May 16, 2025

Salary Information: Commensurate with qualification and experience

Monthly Type: 9-month

Tenure-Track:   Tenure-Track

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Other Conditions: Appointment to begin approximately August 2025 or January 2026, pending position clearance and availability of funding. The Marine Science Program at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level. We seek applicants who are innovative and effective teachers and mentors of undergraduate and graduate students; have experience working with Indigenous communities; possess expertise in traditional ecological ways of knowing; utilize interdisciplinary and integrated ecological, biological, and anthropological approaches to teaching and research; and hold a Ph.D. in Marine Science or a closely related discipline. 

 The successful candidate will deliver high-quality undergraduate and graduate-level courses in biocultural marine science; teach additional marine science courses; mentor and advise students; and contribute to the university and broader community by engaging in service activities. The successful candidate will develop a strong research program in Hawai'i and the Pacific, preferably in nearshore waters and coral reefs, and collaborate and partner with UH Hilo faculty, government agencies, non-profit organizations, communities, private land owners and managers, and others in applied, interdisciplinary research. As a member of the Marine Science Department, the successful candidate will contribute to shaping the future direction of the program.

 The University of Hawai'i at Hilo is a comprehensive, diverse, regional university that offers small class sizes, has a low faculty-to-student ratio, and is committed to providing opportunities for experiential learning, including undergraduate and graduate research. As an Indigenous-serving institution, the University recognizes its special responsibility to Hawai'i and the Pacific region, and reflects and embraces Hawai'i’s unique location and values. UH Hilo is located on the Island of Hawai'i in the town of Hilo, on the lower slope of Mauna Loa. Teaching and research are grounded in the dynamic marine and terrestrial ecosystems and built around a strong kuleana (responsibility, privilege, and concern) for 'aina and kai (land and sea).

More information about the Department of Marine Science can be found at https://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/marinescience/

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach advanced undergraduate lecture and lab courses in Marine Science, including, but not limited to Coastal or Pelagic Methods and Analyses (MARE 350/353), Senior Thesis Research & Report (MARE 470/471), and Ku'ula: Integrated Science (MARE 488). 
• Teach introductory and specialized undergraduate lecture and lab courses (MARE 171/L or MARE 201/L), as well as develop and teach new courses in the Marine Science Department.
• Teach graduate MS-level courses in the Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science (TCBES) graduate program each year, which may include Conservation Biology & Environmental Science (CBES 600) and CBES Field & Laboratory Methods (CBES 601), as well as develop and teach new courses. 
• Hold weekly office hours, advise students on academic progress, and provide individual assistance to students.
• Engage in reflective self-assessment of teaching styles and methods to ensure consistently effective instructional performance.
• Possibly participate in summer courses for additional compensation.
• Timely and professional communication with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
• Participate in program review, curriculum development, advancement of department programs, and evaluation of student learning outcomes.
• Attend department meetings and work collaboratively with department faculty to ensure curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met.
• Conduct biocultural marine science research and publish results, including in peer-reviewed journals.  
• Develop a high quality and collaborative research program to address marine science topics in Hawai'i and the Pacific. 
• Seek and manage extramural grants and contracts. 
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate student research. Chair and serve on graduate student committees. 
• Partner with communities, government agencies, private landowners and managers, non- profit organizations, and other collaborators in applied, interdisciplinary research.
• Participate in service to the Department, College, University, and the broader community.
• Participate in the tenure and promotion evaluation process in accordance with UHPA, University of Hawai'i, and UH Hilo guidance documents.

Minimum qualifications:

1. A Ph.D. at the time of hire in Marine Science or related fields (including, but not limited to Marine Biology, Biology, Zoology, Oceanography, Geography, Archaeology, Environmental Science, or Natural Resource Management).  
2. Experience working in collaborative partnerships with Indigenous and other local communities on Hawai'i Island or across the Hawaiian islands and the broader insular Pacific region.
3. Demonstrated college or university level teaching experience as instructor of record related to Marine Science fields.  
4. Experience or a plan to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into instruction.
5. Demonstrated scholarly achievement and research experience including peer-reviewed publication record in area of scientific expertise.
6. Experience or a plan to develop research in Hawai'i that integrates traditional ecological knowledge 
7. Experience or a plan to incorporate graduate and undergraduate students in research. 
8. High-quality communication skills as demonstrated by an articulate cover letter and curriculum vitae that detail how the applicant meets minimum and desired qualifications.
    
    

Desirable qualifications:

1. Demonstrated interdisciplinary teaching experience integrating Hawaiian knowledge systems with other forms of science. 
2. Demonstrated success in working with marginalized and Indigenous student populations.
3. Demonstrated excellence in college or university level teaching.
4. Experience in coastal waters or coral reef research.
5. Post-doctoral experience with a focus on marine science.   
6. Demonstrated ability to acquire external research funding.   
7. A plan to work in collaboration with department faculty on integrated research. 
8. A strong connection to Hawai'i-based communities.
9. Proficiency in, or familiarity with, Hawaiian language and history. 

Pay range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

To Apply:  For a complete description, application instructions and to submit an application, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/hawaiiedu and search for position number 84211 or Assistant Professor of Marine Science. Please review the full job posting before applying. Failure to submit all required documents will result in the application being ineligible for consideration. Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NEOGOV, follow the instructions to create an account.

Click on the “Apply” button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents. A complete application must include as separate documents:  

(1) Cover letter highlighting the ability to perform the stated duties, how the applicant meets all minimum qualifications and any desirable qualifications, and which summarizes how relevant teaching and research experience would complement the current expertise within the department; 

(2) a current curriculum vitae clearly listing courses that have been taught in the past; 

(3) one-to-two page statement of teaching philosophy, including evidence of high-quality teaching; 

(4) one-to-two page statement of research goals; 

(5) academic transcript(s) showing degrees and course work appropriate to the position (original official transcripts will be required prior to employment); and 

(6) contact information (names, affiliations, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers) of three to five current professional references.

Do not include any self-identifying photos and REDACT REFERENCES TO SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND DATE OF BIRTH ON TRANSCRIPT COPIES. All requested documents/information become the property of the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. Failure to submit all requested documents/information shall deem an application to be incomplete and will not be considered. Electronic submissions only.

Inquiries Dr. Steven Colbert, (808) 932-7596, colberts@hawaii.edu

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status.  For more information, visit:  https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/