CFRD Research Scientist

Special Instructions to Applicants
The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a community of engaged citizens, operating as a public, student-centered, doctoral-granting research university serving Mississippi, the nation, and the world. The University is dedicated to scholarship and learning, integrating students at all levels in the creation and application of knowledge through excellence in teaching, research, creative activities, outreach, and service.

USM is among the 0.05% of institutions in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity” designation. Its expanding research enterprise includes experts in polymer science and engineering, cybersecurity, digital humanities, ocean science and engineering, nursing, large event venue safety and security, psychology, business and economic development, and more.

Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
This position will be located in Ocean Springs, MS at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, a marine laboratory featuring comprehensive research programs in coastal and marine biological sciences. Research program support includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation; a fleet of small and large research vessels; the GCRL Museum collection; facilities at the Center for Fisheries Research and Development (CFRD) and Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC); and the NSF I/UCRC Science Center for Marine Fisheries. Ocean Springs is known for its beauty, natural resources, and arts community. It is home to galleries, restaurants, and schools that are ranked among the best in the state.

Center for Fisheries Research and Development
The Center for Fisheries Research and Development is a research unit at the GCRL campus of USM that has been conducting fisheries monitoring for over 50 years. Our scientists develop and implement research efforts that informs resource management at regional, national, and international levels. We work with state, federal, and community partners to ensure that we understand scientific fishery needs, and focus our research efforts on how we can promote sustainable fisheries and habitats. Our staff also serve on assessment panels to ensure our data inform effective management decisions. CFRD resources include a fleet of vehicles and vessels, a flat bed trailer, a wide array of sampling gear for invertebrates and vertebrates of all life stages, water sampling and monitoring equipment, passive acoustic telemetry arrays, histology and ageing technology, 3-D printer, as well as equipped wet labs and dry labs

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 Center for Fisheries Research and Development at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory campus of The University of Southern Mississippi invites qualified applicants to apply for a full-time Research Scientist position; developing, directing, and participating in research projects relating to field based fisheries science. The Research Scientist is expected to maintain an externally funded research program in fisheries.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities  

1. Develops, plans, implements and manages field based fisheries science research studies in a safe manner. 
2. Writes proposals, achieves funding, and maintains research efforts through competitive grantsmanship.
3. Evaluates, analyzes and interprets scientific data. Reports data results through technical reports, manuscript development, and professional or public presentations.
4. Supervises the training, tasking, timeliness, and quality of work of technicians, scientists and other research staff on research projects.
5. Provides technical/scientific expertise to the CFRD Director, co-project leads/principal investigators (internal or external), state/federal agencies, special interest groups, and the general public.
6. Works with CFRD’s financial coordinator and financial manager, USM’s ORA, and other University entities to ensure compliance and regulatory mechanisms are met. Participates in outreach events and other activities as directed. Adheres to University policies, and procedures and performs other duties as assigned.