Batten Chair in Coastal & Marine Sciences

Batten Chair in Coastal & Marine Sciences

Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)

William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences (Batten School) and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) invite applications for an endowed chair position. We seek creative and innovative scholars with demonstrated ability in producing high-impact coastal science and successfully training students. We anticipate hiring one full-time (12-month) tenure-eligible faculty position at the associate or full professor level. The position includes a robust and continual annual research stipend supported through endowment funds.

The primary responsibilities of the Batten Chair in Coastal & Marine Sciences include development of a diverse extramurally funded research program, production of scholarly products, and contributions to the academic program through teaching and student mentoring. We invite applicants from a wide variety of coastal and marine science disciplines whose research has potential for transformational impact in coastal systems and supports our strategic priorities, which include:

• Understanding and monitoring ecosystem health by connecting physical, chemical, biological, and socioeconomic systems to address environmental and community vulnerabilities.
• Providing translational science for sustainable management of natural resources, including fisheries and aquaculture.
• Providing science for the stewardship of coastal and ocean processes, connecting global trends and local drivers to understand and address environmental change.

The Batten School & VIMS are global leaders in coastal resilience with a three-part mission to conduct research in coastal and marine sciences, educate students, and provide advisory service to policymakers, industry, and the public. Chartered in 1940, VIMS is currently among the largest marine science research and education centers in the United States. The Batten School is W&M’s school of coastal and marine sciences, newly named with a $100M gift . It offers outstanding education and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, including a new BS degree program (underpinned by full tuition support for all undergraduates through a recent $50M scholarship gift ), research-focused MS and PhD degrees, and a professional master’s (MA) degree.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a discipline related to thematic areas aligned with strategic priorities
• Evidence of national or international recognition for innovative or transformational research
• Demonstrated production of high-level scholarship through innovative, impactful, and interdisciplinary research focused on coastal environments
• Demonstrated success in mentoring and/or teaching
• History of leading a successful research program through competitive grants and contracts

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in science for solutions in coastal and marine systems focused on strategic priorities identified in this announcement and the VIMS Strategic Plan
• Experience translating research results into advisory service products for policymakers, industry, and/or the public
• Strong record of external funding from diverse sources to support research activities
• Demonstrated commitment to providing inclusive and impactful teaching, mentoring, and research activities
• Expertise that complements existing VIMS faculty areas of research

For priority consideration, applications should be received by the review date of December 15, 2025