Doherty Marine Biology Postdoctoral Scholar in Biology and for the Schiller Coastal Studies Center
Posting Number: F00317JP
Department: Biology
Position Summary
The Biology Department and the Schiller Coastal Studies Center at Bowdoin College invite applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible postdoctoral scholar position in marine biology and coastal ecology. The appointment is for two years, beginning August 1, 2027 and ending July 31, 2029, with the possibility of a third year upon successful review and reappointment. The position entails 11 months of full-time compensated effort and 1 month (January) off. The teaching load is one course annually plus supervision of student research throughout the summer and academic year. The subfield is open, but the successful hire must be able to teach a course in coastal ecology, and we are especially interested in applicants who take an interdisciplinary approach to studying the impacts of climate change on coastal marine organisms and ecosystems. A PhD in biology or related field is expected by the date of appointment.
The Doherty Marine Biology Postdoctoral Scholar will be based both at the Bowdoin main campus and at the Schiller Coastal Studies Center, a 118-acre field station on Orr’s Island in the Gulf of Maine, which provides modern research and teaching facilities, including a running seawater marine lab, for field- and laboratory-based interdisciplinary study related to critical issues of coastal, marine, and climate concerns (https://www.bowdoin.edu/coastal-studies-center/index.html). In the fall semester, the postdoc will teach the Coastal Ecology in the Gulf of Maine course in the Bowdoin Coastal Studies Semester, an immersive curricular program at the Schiller Center that emphasizes hands-on marine and coastal studies field work and laboratory research. In the spring semester, the postdoc will take the month of January off, then mentor student research. In the summer, the postdoc will supervise student research fellowships.
Throughout the year, the postdoc will maintain an active independent research program, supported by designated lab space at the Schiller Center and access to facilities and equipment; funding for research materials, conference travel, and publication costs; and mentoring and collaboration opportunities.
Bowdoin College offers opportunities for professional development including robust programming and resources for establishing and enhancing mentoring networks. The College also offers support for teaching, scholarship, publication, artificial intelligence initiatives, computing software, conference travel, and community partnerships in courses. We regret that Bowdoin is unable to provide visa sponsorship for visiting faculty positions.
At Bowdoin, we are committed to inclusive excellence, an ongoing collective practice that honors our institutional commitment to provide an outstanding liberal arts education and serve the common good. The College is home to talented students, faculty, and staff and we encourage applications from candidates committed to the inclusive instruction and support of a diverse student population, and those who will enrich and contribute to the College’s multifaceted diversity.
Accessibility during the application and interview stages, as well as once employed, is a priority of the College: https://www.bowdoin.edu/accessibility/index.html.
Bowdoin College accepts only electronic submissions. Please visit https://careers.bowdoin.edu to submit: 1) a cover letter that includes a summary of your scholarly focus, a description of your teaching philosophy and experience, and a description of how your approach demonstrates a commitment to inclusive excellence in teaching; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a brief course description for an undergraduate ecology course centered on the coast of Maine, including a summary of topics; and 4) the names and contact information for three references who have agreed to provide letters of recommendation. Letter writers will be contacted for candidates invited to interview.
Review of applications will begin January 20, 2027 and continue until the position is filled. The targeted hiring salary range for this appointment based on the position requirements is $81,000 – $85,000.
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin’s reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine. Bowdoin’s campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston. Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses. For further information about the College and our department, please visit our website: http://www.bowdoin.edu.
Posting Date: 11/10/2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Employment Category: Full Time Year Round
Job Start Date: 08/01/2027
Job Type: Faculty
Background Check Package Requirements: Faculty/Administrative
Special Instructions to Applicants
At the time of application, you will be required to include information for three references, including name, title, email address, phone number and how you know the reference. Reference providers will receive an automatically-generated email from the application system if the application reaches a certain stage during the review process. The email will provide them a link to upload a confidential reference letter on your behalf. You will not be able to view the reference letters but will be able to see how many have been submitted on your behalf.
