What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor in Ocean Science position at usm-pilot?
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.
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.
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.