Job Details

Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor in Ocean Science

🏛️ University of Southern Mississippi, The Hattiesburg, MS 📍 USA 🗓️ Posted Nov 20, 2025 ⏳ Due Nov 17, 2026
Geology Earth Sciences and Oceanography

Description

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $60,000 - $65,000 per year
Posted: 11/19/2025
Application Due: Open Until Filled
Category: Geology, Earth Sciences, and Oceanography

Position: Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor in Ocean Science

Position Details

Location: Gulf Park
Address: 730 East Beach Boulevard, Long Beach, Mississippi, 39560, United States
Division: Marine Science
Position Type: Faculty
Employment Status: Full Time
Grant Funded: No
Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000
Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants:
A complete application includes:

  1. Cover letter describing strengths and qualifications

  2. CV

  3. Statement of teaching accomplishments and philosophy

  4. Academic transcripts (unofficial acceptable for application; official required upon hire)

  5. Name and contact information for three references (letters requested after initial review)

Anticipated Start Date: August 2026
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Contact: Dr. Joris van der Ham (joris.vanderham@usm.edu)
Applications: USM Job Portal

Job Summary:
The School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) at University of Southern Mississippi (USM) invites applications for a full-time, nine-month Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor. This renewable, non-tenure-track position is eligible for progression and promotion in academic rank.

The role focuses on undergraduate instruction within Marine Biology BS and Oceanography and Ocean Mapping BS programs. Candidates should have broad strengths in Marine Biology or Oceanography and be enthusiastic to implement innovative pedagogical practices.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Teach lecture and laboratory-based courses in Marine Biology and Oceanography (undergraduate level)

  • Contribute to curriculum improvement, student recruitment and retention, and mentorship

  • Engage in professional development and scholarly activities to enhance inclusive pedagogical practices

  • Interact with external partners to develop student professional development and career readiness

  • Contribute to program assessment and evaluation

  • Support the mission of the university, SOSE, and profession through service activities

  • Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Information:

  • SOSE serves ~160 undergraduates and ~60 graduate students

  • Offers BS degrees in Marine Biology, Oceanography and Ocean Mapping (IHO accredited), and Ocean Engineering (ABET accredited)

  • Graduate programs: M.S. in Hydrography, Coastal Sciences, Marine Science, Ph.D. degrees in Coastal Sciences and Marine Science

  • Faculty research in Marine Chemistry, Geological, Physical, Biological Oceanography, Coastal and Marine Ecology, Marine Aquaculture, Ocean Engineering, Hydrography, Fisheries Science, Fisheries Oceanography

  • SOSE undergraduate teaching primarily at Gulf Park campus, Long Beach, MS

  • USM R&D centers provide research infrastructure and student training support

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's or Ph.D. in biology, oceanography, or a related discipline

  • Must pass USM employment background check

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Engage effectively with staff and faculty collaboratively

  • Design and deliver effective undergraduate curriculum

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

  • Strong work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement

  • Promote academic diversity and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Expertise in Environmental Microbiology, Marine Aquaculture, Marine Botany, Marine Environmental Science, Marine Mammalogy, Marine Pollution, Ocean Acoustics, Phycology, or Physical Oceanography

  • Proficiency in R or Python

  • Experience in curriculum development and college-level course delivery

  • Mentoring experience

  • Non-academic experience in industry, non-profit, or government

About The University of Southern Mississippi:

  • Founded in 1910, serving >13,000 students

  • Community-engaged Carnegie R1 university

  • Known for polymer science, ocean science, spectator safety, and communication disorders research

  • Produces graduates in emerging technologies, computer engineering, IT, ocean engineering, business, education, nursing

  • Accredited in four major areas of the arts

  • Home to the Golden Eagles, competing in 17 NCAA Division I sports

  • Website: www.usm.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer:
USM is an EOE/VETS/DISABILITY employer and encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.

Apply Now
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