What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor in Ocean Science position at The University of Southern Mississippi?
Job Summary
The School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) invites applications for a full-time, nine-month Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor. This renewable, non-tenure-track position is eligible for progression and promotion in academic rank. The position is predominantly oriented toward effective undergraduate instruction within SOSE’s Marine Biology BS and Oceanography and Ocean Mapping BS programs. SOSE is looking for a candidate who has broad strengths in Marine Biology or Oceanography and who is enthusiastic to develop and bring innovative pedagogical practices and educational frameworks into SOSE’s courses.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Teach lecture and laboratory-based courses in Marine Biology and Oceanography (primarily at the undergraduate level).
- Contribute to continuous curriculum improvement, student recruitment and retention, and student mentorship.
- Engage in professional development and scholarly activities to implement innovative, effective, and inclusive pedagogical practices both within and outside of the classroom.
- Interact with external partners to develop opportunities for student professional development and career readiness.
- Contribute to the assessment and evaluation of program effectiveness.
- Contribute to the mission of the university, SOSE, and the profession through service activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Special Instructions to Applicants
A completed application will include 1) a cover letter describing the applicant's strengths and qualifications for the position, 2) a CV, 3) a statement of teaching accomplishments and philosophy, 4) academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application; official transcripts are necessary for hire), and 5) the name and contact information for three references (letters will be requested following initial review). The review of applications will continue until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date of August 2026.
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).
For inquiries about the position, contact the search committee chair, Dr. Joris van der Ham (joris.vanderham@usm.edu). Applications must be submitted online at https://jobs.usm.edu.
Additional Information
SOSE is home to ~160 undergraduate and ~60 graduate students. It offers BS degrees in Marine Biology, Oceanography and Ocean Mapping (IHO accredited), and Ocean Engineering (ABET accredited). At the graduate level, it offers M.S. in Hydrography, Coastal Sciences, and Marine Science and Ph.D. degrees in the latter two. SOSE comprises faculty members with research programs in Marine Chemistry, Geological, Physical, and Biological Oceanography, Coastal and Marine Ecology, Marine Aquaculture, Ocean Engineering, Hydrography, Fisheries Science and Fisheries Oceanography, and others. SOSE delivers programs across coastal Mississippi, as well as on USM’s main campus in Hattiesburg. SOSE undergraduate teaching primarily takes place at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, MS. Several USM R&D centers, including the Hydrographic Science Research Center, the Marine Research Center, and the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center, have research personnel who work closely with SOSE faculty and research infrastructure that is available to support student training. For more information about SOSE, visit www.usm.edu/ocean-science-engineering/index.php.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Master’s or Ph.D. in biology, oceanography, or a related discipline. The successful candidate will be required to pass a USM employment background check.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to engage with staff and faculty effectively, collaboratively, and collegially.
- Ability to design and deliver an engaging and effective undergraduate curriculum.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong work ethic, striving for continuous improvement and achievement of high standards.
- Commitment to promoting academic diversity and inclusion and fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.
Preferred Qualifications
Expertise in Environmental Microbiology, Marine Aquaculture, Marine Botany, Marine Environmental Science, Marine Mammalogy, Marine Pollution, Ocean Acoustics, Phycology, or Physical Oceanography
Proficiency in R or Python.
Experience in developing curricula and delivering courses at the college level.
Mentoring experience.
Non-academic experience in industry, non-profit, or government.
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.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.