Assistant Professor in Marine Geology & Geophysics

USM Foundation; Mississippi; On-site; USD 68,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern Mississippi invites applications for a full-time, nine-month tenure-track Assistant Professor in Marine Geology & Geophysics at Stennis Space Center, MS. The candidate will develop an externally funded program, teach at undergraduate and graduate levels, and mentor students within the Marine Science and Hydrography programs.

The role integrates access to advanced AUVs, hydrographic systems, and sediment instrumentation, with opportunities for collaboration with federal

Qualifications

• Earned PhD in marine geology, geophysics, geological oceanography, marine science, hydrography, or related field by start date.
• Evidence of research productivity and potential for externally funded programs.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in marine science and related fields.

Responsibilities

• Establish an independent research program in marine geology and geophysics and pursue external funding.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in relevant areas and contribute to ocean acoustics and seafloor science.
• Mentor graduate students and supervise research in Marine Science and Hydrography.
• Develop interdisciplinary collaborations within the School and Hydrographic Science Research Center.
• Contribute to field programs and use of research facilities and instruments.

Skills

Independent research

Teaching ability

Mentoring students

Collaborative work

Education

PhD in marine geology/geophysics

Tools

Multibeam sonar

Side-scan sonar

Subbottom profiler

Underwater positioning

Autonomous underwater vehicles

Sediment characterization instruments

Job description

Assistant Professor in Marine Geology & Geophysics

Assistant Professor in Marine Geology & Geophysics

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Marine Geology & Geophysics.

Location John C. Stennis Space Center

1020 Balch Blvd
Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, 39529
United States

Division School of Ocean Science and Engineering

Position Type Faculty

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 68,000.00 - 71,000.00

Pay Grade

Posting Close Date January 31, 2027

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please apply through the USM Cornerstone portal and submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement (up to 3 pages), teaching philosophy statement (up to 2 pages), and contact information for three professional references. The application deadline is January 31, 2027. The expected salary for the nine-month period ranges from $68,000 to $71,000, with the potential for additional summer salary through grant-funded projects. For questions or additional information about the position, please contact the search committee chair at [e-mail]. Any offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary
The School of Ocean Science and Engineering seeks a full-time (nine-month) tenure-track Assistant Professor in Marine Geology & Geophysics to advance research and teaching in geological oceanography, hydrographic science, and seafloor science. The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program in areas such as marine sediment properties and transport, seafloor mapping and exploration, and/or marine acoustic methods. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, mentor students in Marine Science and Hydrography, and collaborate with faculty and the Hydrographic Science Research Center. The university’s autonomous surface and underwater vehicles, ROVs, acoustic systems, and sediment characterization instruments offer opportunities for field research and interdisciplinary work. This position is based at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, offering close proximity to and opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies, including NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center, the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and its subordinate commands, and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish an independent research program in marine geology and geophysics, publish scholarly work, and seek external support.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in areas appropriate to the candidate's expertise and departmental needs, including possible contributions to ocean acoustics, hydrographic science, and seafloor science.
• Mentor and supervise graduate research, including students in Marine Science and Hydrography.
• Develop interdisciplinary collaborations within the School, the Hydrographic Science Research Center, and external research communities.
• Contribute to field programs, data collection and analysis, and responsible use of relevant research facilities and instruments as appropriate to the research program.
• Participate in service to the School, University, and profession, and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Earned PhD in marine geology, geophysics, geological oceanography, marine science, hydrography, or a closely related field, by the appointment start date.
Evidence of research productivity and potential to develop an externally funded research program, consistent with career level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of marine geology and geophysics, including seafloor and subseafloor processes, marine sediments, and field or analytical methods relevant to the candidate’s research and teaching.
• Ability to design and conduct original research, analyze and interpret marine data, publish results, and develop competitive proposals for external funding.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate students, develop course materials, assess learning, and mentor student research in marine science and related fields.
• Skill in communicating research and technical concepts clearly in writing, presentations, classroom instruction, and collaborative settings.
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams and use appropriate acoustic, geospatial, autonomous, or sediment characterization methods for the candidate’s research program.
• Ability to participate in fieldwork, including occasional travel or overnight stays, as required by research activities and assigned teaching.

Preferred Qualifications
Research experience in marine sediment and seafloor properties or movement, seafloor mapping or exploration, underwater positioning techniques, marine acoustics, or related methods.
Experience with multibeam, side scan, subbottom, underwater positioning systems or other acoustic systems; autonomous underwater vehicles; or sediment characterization instruments.
Record of, or strong potential for, interdisciplinary collaboration, graduate
mentorship, and development of external proposals, including post-doctoral fellowships.
Ability to contribute to both geological oceanography and hydrographic science curricula.
Ability to teach and mentor students in areas relevant to the position.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu .

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.

Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its service, programs, and activities.
If reasonable accomodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other beneifts and privileges of employment, please contact:

The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity & Labor Regulatory Compliance

[e-mail]

McLemore Hall (MCL) 310 | 118 College Drive #5111 | Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Phone: [phone] | Fax: [phone] | TTY/TDD: 1.800.582.2233

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If you have questions, please email the Human Resources department at [e-mail].

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TheUniversity of Southern Mississippi is committed to the safety andsecurity of the USM community. The annual federal required compliancedocument which contains policy statements and crime statistics for theUniversity is available on the UPD website at http://www.usm.edu/police/ .You may also request a copy by contacting the University PoliceDepartment at Bond Hall, 1st Floor West, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 [phone]. The policy statements address the University's policies,procedures and programs concerning safety and security, for example,policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses.Three years' of statistics are included for certain types of crimes thatwere reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildingsor property owned or controlled by the University and on publicproperty within or immediately adjacent to the campus.