Program Head for Coastal Engineering and Director of Renewable Ocean Energy

Target Audience(s): Faculty


Institution: UNC-Coastal Studies Institute

Institutional Web Link: http://csi.northcarolina.edu

Position Description: The Coastal Studies Institute of the University of North Carolina (UNC-CSI) seeks a dynamic leader to serve as the Program Head for Coastal Engineering and to direct the Renewable Ocean Energy Program. The Program Head is responsible for integrated research, education, training, and outreach efforts in the areas of Coastal Engineering and Renewable Ocean Energy. Relevant fields or areas of expertise may include one or more of the following: the development and testing of marine hydrokinetic devices including hydraulic performance, power transmission and thermodynamic processes of energy conversion; interaction mechanics of near and offshore infrastructure with waves and currents including soil and structure interaction, coastal margin dynamics, sediment transport, and evolving landforms; and long term performance and materials durability aspects of energy harvesting equipment.

Position characteristics: The position may be either a tenured or non-tenured faculty position depending on the qualifications and needs of the applicant. The faculty member’s home department will be the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at North Carolina State University (http://www.ce.ncsu.edu/). The position will be located at the UNC-Coastal Studies Institute in Wanchese on the North Carolina coast.

Responsibilities of the position include:
Leadership: In conjunction with the UNC CSI Executive Director and Board of Directors, the Program Head will serve as part of the CSI Leadership team to implement the jointly approved five year strategic plan. The Program Head will advise, develop, facilitate, direct and evaluate research, education and outreach programs in relevant topical areas. This position is the primary point of contact for the coastal engineering and ocean energy programmatic areas, which requires extensive interaction with relevant communities, including industry, funding agencies, university faculty throughout North Carolina, and local communities.
Research: The Program Head is expected to establish an externally funded research program and to conduct research in their areas of expertise, to publish research findings in scholarly publications, to promote and facilitate interdisciplinary proposals and research among cooperating researchers from partner universities and disciplines; and to supervise graduate students and their theses.
Outreach/Service: The Program Head is expected to engage with the local and regional community to participate in research activities and disseminate research findings; to identify emerging research issues, to facilitate stakeholder input on research findings and research agendas and to promote solutions derived from research to the broader decision-making communities. It is also expected that the Head will work closely with local, state and federal agencies and funding organizations, both by serving on advisory committees as well as by responding to research issues identified by those organizations.
Teaching/Advising: The Program Head will be expected to mentor both graduate and undergraduate students through service as an advisor or advisory committee member, to organize selected seminars, field courses and training programs, and to contribute to coursework offered at UNC CSI.

Qualifications: The successful candidate should have extensive research experience in both coastal engineering and renewable ocean energy. The candidate should have a strong record of scholarly publications, competitive grant funding, and a successful track record of working with relevant state and federal funding agencies. For a tenured position, the candidate’s qualifications should be such that they are eligible for appointment as an Associate or full Professor.

The applicant should have experience in multidisciplinary research as well as the ability to manage and administer the budget of a research center, institute or program that involves multiple sub-contracts. Demonstrated strength and experience in leadership roles, public service, leading collaborative efforts, as well as exceptional written and verbal communication are essential

UNC COASTAL STUDIES INSTITUTE: The Institute is a part of East Carolina University and is located on the northeast coast of North Carolina on Roanoke Island. CSI is a partnership with five universities in the UNC system including North Carolina State University. It is the mission of the UNC Coastal Studies Institute to undertake research, offer educational opportunities, provide community outreach programs, and enhance communication among those concerned with the unique maritime history, culture and environment of North Carolina. Research on renewable ocean energy is one of the strategic initiatives of the Institute. Information about the Coastal Studies Institute can be found at (http://csi.northcarolina.edu/).


Position Type: Permanent Position

Funding Source(s): Other


How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, a C.V., a statement of research and teaching interests, and names and contact information of at least three references online at https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/63028. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and welcomes the opportunity to work with candidates to identify suitable employment opportunities for spouses or partners.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.

Application Closing Date: Until position is filled.