Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $55,000 per year
Posted: 11/24/2025
Category: Geology, Earth Sciences, and Oceanography
Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Geophysics

Position Overview

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Geophysics. This full-time, four-month grant-funded appointment focuses on the analysis of geophysical data from the Western Pacific, with an emphasis on shallow stratigraphy interpretation.

Location: John C. Stennis Space Center
1020 Balch Blvd, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, USA

Division: Marine Science
Employment Status: Full-Time
Grant Funded: Yes
Posting Close Date: November 30, 2025

Special Instructions: Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. USM will not sponsor work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will:

• Conduct advanced geophysical data analysis, processing, and interpretation, particularly in shallow water geophysics

• Integrate datasets, including sediment core data, into centralized repositories for collaboration and visualization

• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations for publication and funding sponsors

• Participate in team meetings and contribute to research strategy and methodology development

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervising faculty

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Marine Science, Geophysics, or a closely related field

• Minimum 3 years of experience in shallow water geophysics

• Proficiency in SonarWiz, Surfer, Matlab, and Python

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Effective Communication: Clear, concise verbal and written communication for diverse audiences

• Data & Process Management: Skilled in data entry, analysis, and reporting using relevant software, including Microsoft Office

• Professionalism: Maintain confidentiality, work collaboratively, and handle sensitive information responsibly

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with marine fieldwork or underwater sensing technologies

• Experience in grant writing or funded research proposals

• Familiarity with machine learning applied to geospatial or sensor data

About the University of Southern Mississippi

Founded in 1910, USM serves over 13,000 students across Hattiesburg, Long Beach, Mississippi Gulf Coast sites, and online. A Carnegie R1 research university, USM is nationally recognized for contributions in ocean science, polymer science, cybersecurity, hydrography, aquaculture, and more.

USM emphasizes preparing graduates for emerging technologies and critical workforce needs, while maintaining a strong tradition in the arts and NCAA Division I athletics.

For more information, visit: www.usm.edu

Equal Opportunity

USM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. Minority candidates, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.