Western Washington U
Position Title: Research Assistant Professor, Biological Oceanography
Western Washington University, with over 15,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. Western Washington University is committed to achieving excellence through advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences.
About the Department About the Shannon Point Marine Center:
SPMC is Western Washington University’s coastal research facility, located in Anacortes, Washington, approximately 45 miles from Western’s main campus in Bellingham. The 78-acre site includes Pacific lowland forest and 3,000 feet of undisturbed shoreline along the Salish Sea. SPMC supports and advances WWU’s undergraduate and graduate programs in marine science, facilitates research across a broad range of marine-related disciplines, and provides access to facilities for visiting scientists.
About the MACS Program:
Marine and Coastal Science (MACS) is an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program with permanent and affiliated faculty in units across the university. The mission of MACS is to promote the study of marine systems with an emphasis on place-based learning, early exposure to research, and cohort-based, immersive educational experiences.
About the Position SPMC invites applications for a university supported, year‑round, half‑time Research Assistant Professor position with expertise in biological oceanography. This non‑tenure track research faculty position will be based at the Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC) in Anacortes, Washington and the position title will be granted through the Marine and Coastal Science (MACS) program. The initial appointment will be for three years, with the potential for renewal based on performance and annual evaluations.
Position Responsibilities
Develop and sustain a rigorous, externally funded research program in biological oceanography that leverages SPMC laboratory resources.
Engage and mentor students through research involvement and training opportunities.
Contribute to SPMC programs and the broader mission of the center through participation in research, outreach, and collaborative initiatives.
Develop and submit external proposals through the WWU office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Provide hands‑on opportunities for students and mentor at least two MACS or Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) students per year.
Develop and teach one course at SPMC per year.
Advise master’s students, contingent upon developing a working relationship with an affiliated department sufficient to be appointed to their Associate Graduate Faculty roster.
Serve as a contributing member of the SPMC community, maintaining an active presence, participating in program activities, and contributing to proposals for instrumentation and programmatic activities at SPMC.
Follow university guidelines for professional behavior and accomplishment as expected of employees holding faculty rank.
Required Qualifications
PhD in marine science.
Post‑doctoral experience in biological oceanography or a closely related field.
Record of research productivity in biological oceanography, including refereed publications and conference presentations.
Evidence of grantsmanship, such as authorship of grant proposals or successful acquisition of research funding.
Demonstrated commitment to student mentoring.
Preferred Qualifications
Research that can be applied regionally.
Experience working successfully in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments.
Conditions of Employment All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60 days of hire. For half‑time, 12‑month appointment, $50,000 – $54,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application Materials
A cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications.
Your vision for your research program, how it relates to existing research and programs at SPMC, and what plans you have to develop the resources (equipment, personnel) necessary to support your work.
A brief description of two research proposals you will pursue at SPMC.
Names and contact information for three professional references.
Closing Date Notes Application review begins January 20, 2026; position is open until filled.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs.
Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu.
WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay).
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About the Department About the Shannon Point Marine Center:
SPMC is Western Washington University’s coastal research facility, located in Anacortes, Washington, approximately 45 miles from Western’s main campus in Bellingham. The 78-acre site includes Pacific lowland forest and 3,000 feet of undisturbed shoreline along the Salish Sea. SPMC supports and advances WWU’s undergraduate and graduate programs in marine science, facilitates research across a broad range of marine-related disciplines, and provides access to facilities for visiting scientists.
About the MACS Program:
Marine and Coastal Science (MACS) is an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program with permanent and affiliated faculty in units across the university. The mission of MACS is to promote the study of marine systems with an emphasis on place-based learning, early exposure to research, and cohort-based, immersive educational experiences.
About the Position SPMC invites applications for a university supported, year‑round, half‑time Research Assistant Professor position with expertise in biological oceanography. This non‑tenure track research faculty position will be based at the Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC) in Anacortes, Washington and the position title will be granted through the Marine and Coastal Science (MACS) program. The initial appointment will be for three years, with the potential for renewal based on performance and annual evaluations.
Position Responsibilities
Develop and sustain a rigorous, externally funded research program in biological oceanography that leverages SPMC laboratory resources.
Engage and mentor students through research involvement and training opportunities.
Contribute to SPMC programs and the broader mission of the center through participation in research, outreach, and collaborative initiatives.
Develop and submit external proposals through the WWU office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Provide hands‑on opportunities for students and mentor at least two MACS or Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) students per year.
Develop and teach one course at SPMC per year.
Advise master’s students, contingent upon developing a working relationship with an affiliated department sufficient to be appointed to their Associate Graduate Faculty roster.
Serve as a contributing member of the SPMC community, maintaining an active presence, participating in program activities, and contributing to proposals for instrumentation and programmatic activities at SPMC.
Follow university guidelines for professional behavior and accomplishment as expected of employees holding faculty rank.
Required Qualifications
PhD in marine science.
Post‑doctoral experience in biological oceanography or a closely related field.
Record of research productivity in biological oceanography, including refereed publications and conference presentations.
Evidence of grantsmanship, such as authorship of grant proposals or successful acquisition of research funding.
Demonstrated commitment to student mentoring.
Preferred Qualifications
Research that can be applied regionally.
Experience working successfully in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments.
Conditions of Employment All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60 days of hire. For half‑time, 12‑month appointment, $50,000 – $54,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application Materials
A cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications.
Your vision for your research program, how it relates to existing research and programs at SPMC, and what plans you have to develop the resources (equipment, personnel) necessary to support your work.
A brief description of two research proposals you will pursue at SPMC.
Names and contact information for three professional references.
Closing Date Notes Application review begins January 20, 2026; position is open until filled.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs.
Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu.
WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay).
#J-18808-Ljbffr