Endowed Chair Faculty Position in Marine Science

~ Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi opened its doors as a small teachers’ college. Today, the University has grown into a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven institution with a proud history and an eye on the future. ~

With a diverse student body of approximately 15,000 students representing 74 foreign countries, all regions of the United States and every corner of Mississippi, we celebrate diversity in every sense of the word.

Not only is Southern Miss a haven for the arts, but the University maintains a tradition of success in both academics and athletics, offering undergraduateand graduate degrees in more than 180 programs through six degree-granting colleges. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi and Online at Southern Miss.

Position Overview

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is seeking applications for a newly-established Endowed Chair in its Division of Marine Science (DMS). This is a permanent, tenure-track position for which we are seeking an enthusiastic candidate who can flourish within the multi-disciplinary environment of our department and enhance our academic and research enterprises.

The Division is located in the federal city of NASA’s Stennis Space Center and benefits from close working relationships with a number of on-site federal agencies, including several of the Navy divisions, USGS and NOAA. DMS graduate and undergraduate programs extend across traditional marine science emphasis areas in biological, physical, chemical and geological oceanography, and also encompass hydrographic science and ocean engineering.

Although candidates with accomplishments in biological oceanography or ocean technology will be given enhanced consideration, qualified candidates from other sub-disciplines of oceanography will also be considered. The successful candidate should, above all, demonstrate superior potential to contribute across the noted disciplines and promote the continued interdisciplinary growth of our academic and research programs.

This growth has recently included the construction of a new building at the Port of Gulfport, the acquisition of the Research Vessel Point Sur, the establishment of a unique certificate program in Unmanned Maritime Systems, and the formation of the School of Ocean Science and Technology, which also includes the Division of Coastal Sciences located at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs.

Compensation: Salary packages will be nationally competitive and commensurate with experience. 

Additional Information

The Division of Marine Science is home to an interdisciplinary program of graduate and undergraduate study and research in marine systems. In addition to the new Ocean Engineering baccalaureate program, DMS offers Marine Science B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, and a Hydrographic Science M.S.

The DMS baccalaureate programs are delivered in Long Beach, MS, from the 52-acre beachfront Gulf Park campus, in close proximity to the Port of Gulfport. A new USM facility at the port is scheduled to open in Spring 2018. This facility will be home to a state-of-the-art fabrication lab, testing tank, and laboratory space, and will provide opportunities for faculty and students to conduct ocean technology development.

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below. 

Applicants should submit a letter of interest outlining their qualifications for the position, including a research plan, teaching philosophy with a curricular plan, a curriculum vitae, and names and contact information of at least four references.

For inquiries about the position, contact Vernon Asper, Chair of the Search Committee, at 1-228-688-3178. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date of August 2018.