Adjunct Instructor, Coastal Science

Top 2 Percent Scientists; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 22,320 - 55,800; Full time

Job summary

USM invites applications for an adjunct instructor to teach field-intensive marine science courses at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS. This is a non-tenure-track, temporary summer position with multiple course offerings and potential for additional teaching in later years.

The candidate will develop and deliver courses such as Barrier Island Ecology, Marine Biology, Oceanography, and Marine Mammals, combining lectures, labs, and field trips.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to develop and teach field-intensive marine/coastal courses.
• Strong knowledge of Gulf Coast habitats and marine science concepts.
• Experience teaching across field, lab, classroom, and online formats.

Responsibilities

• Develop courses with lectures, labs, and field trips (2–3 field trips per week).
• Utilize research vessels and regional 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 and perform other duties.

Skills

Field instruction

Teaching in field/lab/classroom

Hybrid/online adaptation

Student communication

Education

Ph.D. in Biology/Zoology/Coastal Science

MS with relevant experience considered

Job description

Type: Full-Time

Posted: 11/19/2025

Application Due: Open Until Filled

Category: Geology, Earth Sciences, and Oceanography

Position: Adjunct Instructor, Coastal Science

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

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions (official transcripts required if selected)
• 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.

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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