Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor in Ocean Science

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  

1. Teach lecture and laboratory-based courses in Marine Biology and Oceanography (primarily at the undergraduate level).
2. Contribute to continuous curriculum improvement, student recruitment and retention, and student mentorship.
3. Engage in professional development and scholarly activities to implement innovative, effective, and inclusive pedagogical practices both within and outside of the classroom.
4. Interact with external partners to develop opportunities for student professional development and career readiness.
5. Contribute to the assessment and evaluation of program effectiveness.
6. Contribute to the mission of the university, SOSE, and the profession through service activities.
7. 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.