Geophysical Oceanographer

USM Foundation; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 71,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern Mississippi is seeking a Geophysical Oceanographer to support autonomous underwater systems, seabed characterization, and environmental context modeling at the Center for Ocean Enterprise in Gulfport, MS.

Responsibilities include planning and analyzing underwater survey data, evaluating data quality, and collaborating with AI/ML engineers and field operations to advance underwater sensing technologies. This is a staff, full-time position with grant funding.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and six years of related experience; or PhD and four years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Conductions geophysical and oceanographic characterization for autonomous underwater sensing.

Skills

Geophysical oceanography

Underwater sensing technologies

Data interpretation

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Geophysical Oceanography or related field

PhD in Geophysical Oceanography or related field

Tools

Side-scan sonar

Synthetic aperture sonar

Multibeam echosounders

Magnetometers

ROVs

Job description

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Geophysical Oceanographer.

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

Salary Range 70,536.00 - 95,432.00

Pay Grade E14

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

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

This position conducts applied oceanographic and geophysical researchsupporting autonomous underwater systems, seabed characterization, multi-sensordata collection, and environmental context modeling. The position plans andanalyzes underwater survey data, characterizes seafloor and environmentalconditions, and evaluates their impact on survey quality, sensorinterpretation, and autonomous mission planning. Working collaboratively withAI/ML engineers, signal processing researchers, and field operations personnel,the position supports the research, development, testing, and evaluation ofadvanced underwater sensing and autonomous systems at the Center for OceanEnterprise.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts geophysical and oceanographic characterization for autonomous underwater sensing, including analysis and interpretation of seabed, bathymetric, environmental, sonar, magnetic, navigation, and other geospatial survey data.
• Plans, supports, and evaluates multi-sensor underwater data collection involving side-scan sonar, synthetic aperture sonar, multibeam echosounders, magnetometers, ROVs, navigation systems, and environmental sensors.
• Defines and evaluates environmental, seabed, and survey metadata needed to support AI/ML, signal processing, sensor interpretation, and autonomy workflows, including bottom type, bathymetry, acoustic context, navigation quality, survey quality, and sensor operating conditions.
• Evaluates the effects of seabed characteristics, environmental conditions, sensor geometry, vehicle motion, altitude, range, and survey design on data quality, sensor performance, interpretability, and model confidence.
• Develops and evaluates data quality standards and environmentally informed decision-support approaches for underwater survey products, translating oceanographic and geophysical conditions into model inputs, performance metrics, confidence factors, and operational guidance.
• Interprets georeferenced sonar, bathymetric, magnetic, ROV, and related datasets to support seabed classification, environmental characterization, reacquisition planning, and validation of autonomous perception and sensing outputs.
• Collaborates with AI/ML, signal processing, software, sensor engineering, and field operations personnel to incorporate real-world oceanographic and seabed conditions into model development, performance evaluation, testing, and mission planning.
• Prepares technical reports, maps, data summaries, survey assessments, research publications, presentations, and other documentation; remains current with advances in geophysical oceanography, hydrographic surveying, marine remote sensing, seabed classification, and autonomous underwater sensing.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’sdegree from an accredited college or university in Geophysical Oceanography,Physical Oceanography, Geophysics, Hydrography, or a related field and six (6)years of related experience; or a Ph.D. from an accredited college oruniversity in Geophysical Oceanography, Physical Oceanography, Geophysics,Hydrography, or a related field and four (4) years of related experience. U.S.Citizenship with the ability to obtain a government security clearance. Validdriver’s license and eligibility to obtain a Transportation WorkerIdentification Credential (TWIC).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of geophysicaloceanography, seabed characterization, hydrographic surveying, and/ormarine remote sensing principles and practices.
• Knowledge of underwater surveydata interpretation, including sonar imagery, bathymetry, navigation, andgeospatial data.
• Knowledge of the effects ofseabed characteristics, water-column conditions, sensor geometry, surveydesign, and operational conditions on underwater sensing and data quality.
• Knowledge of environmental andgeophysical metadata used in AI/ML, signal processing, sensorinterpretation, and autonomous systems.
• Knowledge of underwater sensingtechnologies, including side-scan sonar, synthetic aperture sonar,multibeam echosounders, magnetometers, ROVs, and related systems.
• Skill in analyzing andevaluating large geospatial, oceanographic, acoustic, bathymetric, andremote-sensing datasets.
• Skill in evaluating underwatersurvey quality, including resolution, coverage, navigation consistency,altitude, range, motion effects, acoustic artifacts, and georeferencing.
• Ability to translate scientific,environmental, and geophysical information into engineering, testing,performance assessment, and operational guidance.
• Ability to collaborateeffectively with multidisciplinary teams, including AI/ML, software,signal processing, sensor engineering, and field operations personnel.
• Ability to communicate complexscientific and technical information effectively through technicalreports, publications, maps, briefings, presentations, and other researchdocumentation.
• Ability to work independently,manage multiple research priorities, and coordinate research andfield-support activities in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experiencewith autonomous underwater vehicles, unmanned maritime systems, or field-basedoceanographic operations; underwater sensor data collection and analysis;seabed classification, sediment characterization, or acoustic interpretation;and evaluating the effects of environmental conditions on survey quality andsensor performance. Experience developing marine survey or test plans,quality-control procedures, and working with geospatial or environmental data.Contributions to applied research, technical reports, peer-reviewedpublications, or related field programs preferred.

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 programssuchas 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

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