Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Coastal Physical Oceanography

The University of Delaware is seeking a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Coastal Physical Oceanography for the School of Marine Science and Policy, starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. The role involves developing a research program, supporting graduate students, and teaching courses in physical oceanography. Candidates should hold a PhD in a related field and demonstrate a strong research and teaching commitment. The position is based in Newark, DE.
University of Delaware

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The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which
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Job No: 502534

Work Type: Faculty

Location: Newark, DE

Categories: School of Marine Science & Policy

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Coastal Physical
Oceanography

School of Marine Science and Policy, College of Earth, Ocean and
Environment

University of Delaware

Newark, DE

Starting Date: 2026-2027 academic year

The School of Marine Science and Policy (SMSP) seeks to hire a
tenure-track coastal physical oceanographer with research interests
in estuaries, continental shelves, or the interface between coastal
and open oceans. We seek candidates with research interests from
any area of coastal physical oceanography, including a broad set of
processes and varying scales: turbulence and mixing, meso- and
submesoscale dynamics, boundary layers, shelf-wide circulation and
property budgets, and the impact of climate on the coastal ocean,
among others. Applications of candidates that integrate field
observations, theory, or numerical modeling are welcome.

SMSP offers an interdisciplinary environment with graduate
programs in Physical Ocean Science & Engineering, Oceanography,
Marine Biosciences, and Marine Policy, and an undergraduate program
in Marine Science, with concentrations in Oceanography and Marine
Biosciences. We expect the candidate to be highly collaborative
across our existing physical, chemical, geological, biological, and
marine policy disciplines. SMSP is situated on the main campus in
Newark and the coastal campus in Lewes, which together offer
convenient access to state-of-the-art marine research facilities as
well as coastal and estuarine environments in the Mid-Atlantic
region.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and
maintain a robust externally funded research program, support
graduate students, and contribute to the broader research,
teaching, and service missions of SMSP. The candidate’s teaching
responsibilities in SMSP’s undergraduate and graduate programs
include courses in physical oceanography (e.g., geophysical fluid
dynamics) and general marine sciences.

A PhD (or equivalent) in physical oceanography or a closely
related field is required. Successful candidates are expected to
have an excellent research record and a strong commitment to
teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate
levels.

Application Process

Applicants should upload a letter of application, curriculum
vitae, contact information for three references, and research and
teaching statements. Applicants are encouraged to review the
statement of values at the University of Delaware (https://www.udel.edu/about/values/)
as they inform our approach to UD’s research, teaching, and
community engagement activities. Inquiries regarding this position
may be addressed to Professor Tobias Kukulka, SMSP
(kukulka@udel.edu).

Review of applications will begin on December 19, 2025 and will
continue until the position is filled. Compensation packages are
highly competitive and commensurate with experience and
qualifications. The UD benefits package is one of the best in the
nation.

The University of Delaware is proud to be an equal opportunity
employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or
status as a protected veteran, as well as any other status or
condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For
the University’s complete non-discrimination statement, please
visit www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity
or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital
status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other
characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment,
educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and
scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the
Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and
University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits
unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual
violence.

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