Assistant Professor in Marine Geology & Geophysics

The University of Southern Mississippi • Stennis Space Center, MS

4d • $68,000 - $71,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The School of Ocean Science and Engineering at The University of Southern Mississippi seeks a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Marine Geology & Geophysics. The position advances research and teaching in geological oceanography, hydrographic science, and seafloor science. The successful candidate will establish an externally funded research program in areas such as marine sediment properties and transport, seafloor mapping and exploration, and marine acoustic methods; contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching; mentor students in Marine Science and Hydrography; and collaborate with faculty and the Hydrographic Science Research Center.

The university’s autonomous surface and underwater vehicles, ROVs, acoustic systems, and sediment characterization instruments provide opportunities for field research and interdisciplinary work. The position is based at John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, near federal agencies including NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center, the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and its subordinate commands, and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.

The expected salary for the nine-month period is $68,000–$71,000, with potential additional summer salary through grant-funded projects. Applicants must be authorized to work full time in the United States without visa sponsorship. Any employment offer is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check. Apply through the USM Cornerstone portal with a cover letter, CV, research statement of up to three pages, teaching philosophy statement of up to two pages, and contact information for three professional references. The application deadline is January 31, 2027.

Requirements

• Earned PhD in marine geology, geophysics, geological oceanography, marine science, hydrography, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
• Evidence of research productivity and potential to develop an externally funded research program, consistent with career level.
• Knowledge of marine geology and geophysics, including seafloor and subseafloor processes, marine sediments, and field or analytical methods relevant to the candidate’s research and teaching.
• Ability to design and conduct original research, analyze and interpret marine data, publish results, and develop competitive proposals for external funding.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate students, develop course materials, assess learning, and mentor student research in marine science and related fields.
• Skill in clearly communicating research and technical concepts in writing, presentations, classroom instruction, and collaborative settings.
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams and use appropriate acoustic, geospatial, autonomous, or sediment characterization methods for the candidate’s research program.
• Ability to participate in fieldwork, including occasional travel or overnight stays, as required by research activities and assigned teaching.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Research experience in marine sediment and seafloor properties or movement, seafloor mapping or exploration, underwater positioning techniques, marine acoustics, or related methods.
• Experience with multibeam, side scan, subbottom, underwater positioning systems or other acoustic systems; autonomous underwater vehicles; or sediment characterization instruments.
• Record of, or strong potential for, interdisciplinary collaboration, graduate mentorship, and development of external proposals, including post-doctoral fellowships.
• Ability to contribute to both geological oceanography and hydrographic science curricula.
• Ability to teach and mentor students in areas relevant to the position.

Responsibilities

• Establish an independent marine geology and geophysics research program, publish scholarly work, and seek external support.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses suited to the candidate’s expertise and departmental needs, potentially including ocean acoustics, hydrographic science, and seafloor science.
• Mentor and supervise graduate research, including students in Marine Science and Hydrography.
• Develop interdisciplinary collaborations within the School, the Hydrographic Science Research Center, and external research communities.
• Contribute to field programs, data collection and analysis, and responsible use of relevant research facilities and instruments as appropriate to the research program.
• Participate in service to the School, University, and profession, and perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree