Description
Assistant Teaching Professor of Coastal & Marine Sciences
William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS invite applications for a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track position as Assistant Teaching Professor of Coastal & Marine Sciences, with broad expertise in coastal, estuarine, and marine biology and ecology. We seek a dedicated educator passionate about fostering the next generation of scientists. The successful candidate will contribute to the advising and education of undergraduate students majoring in William & Mary’s nascent Bachelor of Science degree in Coastal & Marine Sciences, teaching core and elective courses focused on topics such as marine biology, ecology, and biodiversity. An initial 3-year contract will be issued to the successful candidate with the possibility of longer-term contract renewals and a framework for promotion.
This is an exciting time to join the newly named Batten School & VIMS. Backed by a historic $100 million gift supporting faculty positions, student funding, and infrastructure—and an additional $50 million gift covering full tuition for undergraduate Coastal & Marine Sciences majors, the Batten School is poised for transformative growth. The 2025/2026 academic year welcomed the inaugural cohort of W&M students to the new Coastal and Marine Sciences Bachelor of Science degree program – the first public undergraduate marine science degree in Virginia. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and growth of the program.
Key Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and implement innovative, interactive, and interdisciplinary teaching approaches that engage students in hands-on learning, fieldwork, and lab-based studies.
- Collaborate with Batten School faculty members and administrative staff in the development and continuous improvement of the coastal and marine sciences curriculum.
- Specific courses to be taught may include established classes such as Marine Science Mash Up (MSCI 201), Introduction to Marine Science (MSCI 230), Biological Oceanography (MSCI 310), Marine Biology (MSCI 340), and Research in Marine Science (MSCI 490); as well as new electives the chosen candidate may develop in topics such as Marine Ecology or Marine Biodiversity and Conservation.
- Develop and apply interactive and interdisciplinary teaching methods to engage students in real-world learning, including through overseeing student internships at VIMS or with external partners.
- Advise and mentor undergraduate students on academic progress, research projects, and career development, and supervise internships.
- Participate in section, school, and university governance and service, including curriculum development, program administration, student advising and recruitment, and outreach efforts.
The Batten School & VIMS are global leaders in coastal and marine science education and research. Located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Gloucester Point, VA, we are uniquely positioned to study diverse coastal ecosystems and train students in hands-on, applied coastal and marine sciences. Our faculty are dedicated to fostering innovative research, field-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and providing key advisory services to the Commonwealth of Virginia regarding issues that affect coastal and marine communities and ecosystems.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Coastal Science, Marine Science, Science Education, Oceanography, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching and experience with active learning methods in science education
- Experience in or enthusiasm for field-based, lab-based, and interdisciplinary teaching methods
- Strong oral and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary academic setting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in coastal or marine environments, with practical knowledge of coastal or marine research, field work, and/or lab work
- Experience designing and teaching field-intensive undergraduate courses and/or mentoring undergraduate students in research, internships, or capstone projects.
- Demonstrated commitment to providing innovative, inclusive, and impactful teaching and mentoring
For priority consideration, submit application materials by the review date of
December 1, 2025.
Position is eligible for relocation assistance
Click here for details about position benefits & leave
