MCurdy Visiting Scholar

Position Description

The Division of Marine Science and Conservation in the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University invites applicants for the Mary Derrickson McCurdy Visiting Scholar position at its Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, North Carolina. The Marine Laboratory is home to a diverse faculty of natural and social scientists, with strong ties to colleagues on Duke’s main campus in Durham. Our faculty are at the forefront of generating new knowledge about the science, conservation, and restoration of marine systems and in applying knowledge to inform policy. We achieve this through leadership in research, interdisciplinary collaborations, training, communication, and inclusion.

Position Overview: There are two models for the McCurdy Visiting Scholar position; and we welcome applicants for either shorter-term visits from senior scholars or longer-term positions for early career researchers. For the first model, we invite applications from early-career scholars who have completed a PhD (or equivalent) for a year-long initial appointment renewable for up to a total of 3 years (upon satisfactory review, starting in 2027). For the second model, we invite applications from more established scholars at the faculty level (or equivalent) for a short-term sabbatical or visiting position (semester, start date 2027-2029). For either model, the successful applicant is expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the Marine Laboratory and should identify potential faculty host(s) at the application stage, but do not need to have contacted a host in advance. For early-career scholars, community engagement would ideally include teaching a course/short course at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Qualifications: Originality and collegiality—rather than any specific research area—are our primary criteria in selecting McCurdy Scholars. We encourage applicants from across the spectrum of Marine Science and Conservation, including, but not limited to, marine ecology, restoration ecology, environmental social sciences, arts and humanities, and those applying data analytics or other quantitative approaches to marine sciences. McCurdy scholar support can include salary, resources to support research and academic travel, and a modest relocation allowance. While the specific amounts will vary depending on the candidate and their needs, support will be competitive for career stage.

Application Requirements: Applications should include: a one-page cover letter identifying potential faculty host(s) and a projected position start date; curriculum vitae; a two-page research statement that includes a description of past research, planned Duke research agenda and potential role in Duke Marine lab mentoring/ teaching; pdfs of up to three publications (or evidence of other substantive contribution); and contact information for three references. Interested individuals should apply through AcademicJobsOnline. See Job #33144.

Further inquiries may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Dana Hunt dana.hunt@duke.edu. The search committee will begin reviewing applications January 15, 2027 and will continue until the position is filled.

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