Teaching Assistant, Coastal Sciences

Top 2 Percent Scientists; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 19,286 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Coastal Sciences at USM invites applications for Teaching Assistants to support field-intensive marine science courses at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.

Courses are part of the Summer Field Program, offered during summer intersession, first summer term, and second summer term. Classes meet every weekday with schedule flexibility due to weather; overnight travel may be required.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Biology, Zoology, Coastal Science, or related field.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Gather and prepare supplies and lab equipment
• Coordinate field experiences, including logistics and transportation
• Ensure laboratory safety for students and staff
• Assist with tests, quizzes, grading, and delivering course content
• Maintain communication with Summer Field Program staff
• Follow USM policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as required

Job description

Position Details

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: Staff

Employment Status: Full Time

Pay Grade: Generic Grade

Special Instructions To Applicants

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Applicants should upload:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions (official transcripts may be required if selected)
• Cover letter describing relevant education, research, and/or work experience related to the marine/coastal science field, including the course(s) you wish to TA

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 for Teaching Assistants to support field-intensive marine science courses at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.

Courses are part of the Summer Field Program, offered during summer intersession, first summer term, and second summer term.

• Classes meet every weekday; schedule flexibility is required due to weather.

Overnight travel may be required. Some courses may shift from field/lab intensive to virtual.

Courses (TA Positions Anticipated)

• Barrier Island Ecology (COA 448/448L, 3 credit hours) – Coastal ecology, field excursions to barrier islands, study of flora/fauna and geologic processes.
• Cetacean Behavior (COA 444, 3 credit hours) – Observation of 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 with inshore/offshore collections.
• Marine Conservation (COA 450/550, 450L/550L, 5 credit hours) – Conservation biology and ecology of marine/coastal ecosystems, lectures, field trips, labs.
• Marine Ichthyology (COA 421/521, 421L/521L, 6 credit hours) – Fish collection, identification, field expeditions in Gulf of Mexico.
• Marine Invertebrate Zoology (COA 428/528, 428L/528L, 6 credit hours) – Study of invertebrates, classification, functional processes, fieldwork.
• 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) – Multidisciplinary foundation in physical, geological, biological, chemical oceanography.
• Marine Sciences II: Marine Biology (COA 301/301L, 5 credit hours) – Ecological approach to marine systems and local organisms.
• Marine Toxicology (COA 490/590, 5 credit hours) – Aquatic toxicology; online in 2026.
• The Culture of the Coast (COA 490, 5 credit hours) – Coastal processes, human communities, literature, music, arts, fieldwork.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Gather and prepare supplies and lab equipment
• Coordinate field experiences, including logistics and transportation
• Ensure laboratory safety for students and staff
• Assist with tests, quizzes, grading, and delivering course content
• Maintain communication with Summer Field Program staff
• Follow USM policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as required

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Biology, Zoology, Coastal Science, or related field

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Conduct field courses in Northern Gulf of Mexico habitats
• Ability to drive 15-passenger vans for field trips
• Criminal history and background check clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior teaching assistant experience in undergraduate/graduate programs

Educational Resources

• Knowledge of course content, relevant field/research experience
• Commitment to USM, College of Arts & Sciences, and SOSE mission

Health Foundations & Medical Research

• Experience with Canvas, Blackboard, or online learning platforms

About The University Of Southern Mississippi

• Founded in 1910, serves >13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach
• Community-engaged Carnegie R1 university
• Known for polymer science, ocean science, spectator safety, language research, and more
• Graduates trained for emerging technologies, computer engineering, IT, ocean engineering, business, education, nursing

Equal Opportunity Employer

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