Data Scientist II

USM Foundation; Gulfport (MS); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern Mississippi is seeking a Data Scientist II at the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise in Gulfport, Mississippi. This role develops and implements statistical and computational methods to interpret complex data from ocean sensing buoys and autonomous marine vehicles.

Under supervision, you will analyze large datasets, support publications, maintain data pipelines, and collaborate with industry and academic partners to advance ocean enterprise projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, engineering, computer science, remote sensing, physical science or related field (six years of experience may substitute).
• Six years of data science research, applications, or related occupation; two years may be substituted by related education/experience.
• Must be a US citizen or US person and have a valid driver’s license; TWIC required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement statistical and computational methods to interpret large data sets.
• Manage, collect, visualize, analyze, and summarize data and experiments; support publications.
• Perform server maintenance, database administration, data pipelines, and web front end development.
• Contribute to proposals and project communications with OE staff and external partners.
• Participate in test/evaluation of UxS and autonomous vehicles; analyze data collected.
• Provide programmatic/technical support to project directors and collaborators.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Data visualization

Geospatial analysis

Machine learning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in data science or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Python

Java

ROS

R

RStudio

MATLAB

AWS SageMaker

Azure

Google Cloud Platform

TensorFlow

Keras

Scikit-Learn

Pandas

BASH

Apache

Parquet

Protocol Buffers

Nginx

NumPy

SQL

NoSQL (MongoDB)

ArcPy

Tableau

Docker

ArcGIS

Job description

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Data Scientist II.

Location Marine Research Center
1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport
Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501
United States

Division Ocean Enterprise

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded Yes

Pay Grade E12

Posting Close Date November 30, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Must be able to obtain a TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Credential)
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Data Scientist II develops and implements statistical, mathematical, computer programming, operations research, and diagnostic methods and techniques to interpret and analyze complex data. This position exercises independent judgment under limited supervision from a higher-level scientist or technical supervisor, with work activities planned, reviewed, and evaluated through regular consultation with leadership. The role supports research, development, testing, and evaluation activities related to ocean sensing buoys and uncrewed surface and subsurface marine vehicles, including platform systems, payloads, command and control systems, power systems, and data integration and analysis. This position is located at the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise in Gulfport, Mississippi and collaborates with industry, academic, state, and federal partners in support of ocean technology and research initiatives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research to advance hardware, software, and techniques to develop computational algorithms and statistical methods that find patterns and relationships in large volumes of data.
• Manage, collect, visualize, analyze, and summarize data, data reports, experiments, and field activities. Support preparation for peer-reviewed publications, including maps, tables, and other illustrative materials.
• Perform server maintenance, database administration, data pipelines creation, and web front end development.
• Contribute to Ocean Enterprise goals by participating in developing proposals, keeping appropriate individuals on the OE staff informed of activities and providing status reports documenting milestones regarding ongoing projects.
• Participate in test and evaluation of UxS, other autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles or platforms and perform analysis of data collected.
• Provides programmatic and technical support to project directors or principal investigators and collaborates with Ocean Enterprise, USM and external researchers as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in data science, engineering, computer science, remote sensing, physical science or related field, and six (6) years of experience in data science research, applications, or a similar occupation. Two (2) years of related education and related experience may be substituted on an equal basis. Must be a US Citizen or US Person and have a valid Driver’s License. Must be able to obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret research periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures associated with research activities.
• Strong written communication skills necessary to perform assigned duties and prepare technical documentation and reports
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from data science professionals, stakeholders, and the public
• Ability to process, visualize, analyze, and interpret various geospatial datasets and perform field work aboard small and large vessels
• Proficiency with programming languages, platforms, and software libraries including Python, Java, ROS, R and RStudio, MATLAB, Amazon Web Services SageMaker, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, TensorFlow, Keras, Scikit Learn, Pandas, BASH, Apache, Parquet, Protocol Buffers, Nginx, NumPy, SQL, NoSQL databases including MongoDB, ArcPy, Tableau, Docker, and ArcGIS

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in data science, engineering, remote sensing, physical science, or related field. And two (2) years of experience in data science or related research.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

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

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

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

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

The University of Southern Mississippi is committed to the safety and security of the USM community. The annual federal required compliance document which contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University is available on the UPD website at http://www.usm.edu/police/. You may also request a copy by contacting the University Police Department 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 that were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.

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