Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Posted: 11/19/2025
Application Due: Open Until Filled
Category: Geology, Earth Sciences, and Oceanography

Position: Adjunct Instructor, Coastal Science

Position Details

Location: Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
Address: 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564, United States
Division: School of Ocean Science and Engineering
Position Type: Faculty
Employment Status: Full-Time
Grant Funded: No
Pay Grade: Generic Grade
Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and will be reviewed as needed. Applicants should upload:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

2. Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions (official transcripts required if selected)

3. Cover letter describing relevant education, research, and/or work experience related to marine/coastal science, including teaching experience. Specify the course(s) you wish to teach.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States full-time. The university does not sponsor work visas.

Job Summary:
The Department of Coastal Sciences at USM invites applications from instructors to teach field-intensive marine science courses at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.

• Part of the Summer Field Program: summer intersession, first summer term, and second summer term.

• Non-tenure-track, temporary summer-only position.

• Successful instructors may be considered for additional teaching in subsequent years.
  Summer Field Program Info

Courses (Instructor Positions Anticipated):

• Barrier Island Ecology (COA 448/448L, 3 credit hours) – Coastal ecology, field excursions to barrier islands, flora/fauna, geologic processes.

• Cetacean Behavior (COA 444, 3 credit hours) – Delphinid behavior, classroom and field study focused on dolphins.

• Elasmobranch Biology (COA 422/522, 422L/522L, 6 credit hours) – Sharks, skates, and rays; lectures and labs, including field collections.

• Marine Conservation (COA 450/550, 450L/550L, 5 credit hours) – Marine conservation biology, lectures, labs, field trips.

• Marine Ichthyology (COA 421/521, 421L/521L, 6 credit hours) – Marine fish collection and identification, field expeditions.

• Marine Invertebrate Zoology (COA 428/528, 428L/528L, 6 credit hours) – Invertebrate taxonomy, anatomy, ecology; field collection and identification.

• Marine Mammals (COA 443/543, 443L/543L, 5 credit hours) – Biology of marine mammals; online in 2026.

• Marine Sciences I: Oceanography (COA 300/300L, 5 credit hours) – Physical, geological, biological, chemical oceanography; interactive exploration.

• Marine Sciences II: Marine Biology (COA 301/301L, 5 credit hours) – Ecological approach to marine systems, habitats, life cycles.

• Marine Toxicology (COA 490/590, 5 credit hours) – Aquatic toxicology concepts and lab techniques; online in 2026.

• The Culture of the Coast (COA 490, 5 credit hours) – Coastal processes and communities through literature, music, visual arts, and fieldwork.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop courses combining lectures, labs, and field trips (typically 2–3 field trips/week).

• Utilize GCRL research vessels, local/regional trips, and other relevant educational sites within budget.

• Prepare syllabi, grades, and course documentation on time.

• Maintain communication with Summer Field Program staff and students.

• Follow USM policies and procedures.

• Perform other assigned duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Zoology, Coastal Science, or related field (MS degrees considered with relevant experience)

• Thorough knowledge of course content, field, and/or research experience

• Criminal history and background check clearance

• Commitment to USM, College of Arts & Sciences, and SOSE mission

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Conduct field courses in diverse Gulf Coast habitats

• Teach effectively in field, classroom, lab, and online settings

• Adapt to virtual or hybrid formats with little notice

• Maintain consistent communication with students and staff

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior teaching experience in undergraduate/graduate programs

• Professional experience in biology, zoology, coastal science, or related fields

About The University of Southern Mississippi:

• Founded 1910, serves 13,000+ students across Hattiesburg and Long Beach

• Community-engaged Carnegie R1 university

• Recognized for polymer science, ocean science, language research, and other disciplines

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

• Accredited in four major areas of the arts

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

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