Description
The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) and Friday Harbor Labs (FHL) at the University of Washington (UW) invite applications for the Riddiford – Truman Endowed faculty Chair, a position in the Without Tenure (WOT) track at the Assistant rank with specialization in marine invertebrate organismal biology. The successful candidate is expected to develop a collaborative, extramurally-funded and nationally recognized research program based at FHL that leverages FHL’s unique marine research infrastructure and natural setting. We especially welcome candidates whose scholarship in natural systems advances fundamental knowledge and contributes to environmental stewardship. All University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research, and service.
This is a full-time (100% FTE), non-tenured 12-month position with an anticipated September 16, 2026 start date, and will be supported by nine months of salary annually from the Riddiford – Truman Endowment and the University of Washington, combined with research grants obtained by the successful candidate for the remaining three months.
The base salary range for this position will be $9,700 - $14,300 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing-wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include a moving allowance, a relocation incentive, and/or commitment of summer salary.
The initial appointment of an Assistant Professor WOT is typically for a period of three years. Renewal for a second three-year term will be considered by SAFS and the College of the Environment spring quarter of the second year. Salary funding that is provided for this position is contingent on the individual’s ongoing involvement in teaching and research programs based in Friday Harbor Laboratories and, in part, on continued research and scholarship within the broad field of invertebrate organismal biology.
The University of Washington is a unique natural setting from which to base research and education. SAFS and FHL are housed within the University’s College of the Environment, which provides a broad interdisciplinary and global position for education and basic and applied research. SAFS is home to a vibrant community of renowned teachers and researchers, committed to the mission to provide multidisciplinary and experiential learning for undergraduate and graduate students interested in aquatic environments, to conduct groundbreaking research on topics pertinent to understanding and managing these environments, and to communicate findings to regional, national, and international audiences. Friday Harbor Laboratories is the University of Washington's marine laboratory, located on San Juan Island, 70 miles north of the Seattle campus. FHL offers undergraduate and graduate classes, hosts conferences and workshops, supports scientific diving and other research and collections from FHL-owned boats, and has an active public outreach program. The property consists of coastal and upland habitat on 490 acres of biological preserve. Nearby accessible habitats range from moderately exposed rocky shores to salt marshes and mudflats. The campus has 12 lab buildings with flow-through seawater, a cabled ocean observing center, flow cytometer, flume lab, imaging facility, and a fully equipped lab for molecular biology, including an RT-PCR machine.
The successful candidate will contribute towards maintaining and strengthening ties between SAFS and FHL as well as providing high quality teaching and mentorship.
The University of Washington provides a wide range of networking, mentoring and development opportunities for junior faculty and a comprehensive benefits package (details can be found at: https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/online-benefits-orientation/faculty/).
Requirements
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D., or foreign equivalent, in biology or a related field by the start of the appointment. They must also show evidence of teaching effectiveness.
Application Instructions
Candidates should submit the following information via interfolio using the following link: https://apply.interfolio.com/178804
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Research statement (2 pages). Please summarize your past research, your overall approach to conducting research, how you envision your research program in SAFS and at FHL, and how this aligns with the job description.
- Teaching Statement (2 pages). Please describe your past teaching experiences, teaching pedagogy, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and how your teaching and mentoring will complement and diversify the SAFS and FHL’s programs.
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Statement (1 page). A statement of no more than 600 words describing commitment to inclusive excellence, outreach, and community engagement as they relate to your research, teaching, service, and mentoring access to higher education for underrepresented individuals and groups.
- Copies (PDF) of three representative publications
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Priority will be given to applications received by January 30, 2026, and consideration of applicants will continue until the position is filled. Questions pertaining to this search can be addressed to Prof. Steven Roberts, Search Committee Chair (sr320@uw.edu).
