Assistant Teaching Professor in Marine Biology and Undergrad Program Coordinator in Marine Science

Assistant Teaching Professor in Marine Biology and Undergrad Program Coordinator in Marine Science

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Teaching Professor in Marine Biology and Undergrad Program Coordinator in Marine Science.

Position Details
Location	Gulf Park 730 East Beach Boulevard Long Beach, Mississippi, 39560 United States
Division	Marine Science
Position Type	Faculty
Employment Status	Full Time
Grant Funded	No
Posting Close Date	March 1, 2024

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, plans, and philosophy, and 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). Review of applications begins 8 January 2024 and continues until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date of August 2024.
For inquiries about the position, contact the search committee chair, Dr. Joris van der Ham ([email protected]). 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 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 Marine Science BS programs. SOSE is looking for a candidate who has strengths in Environmental Microbiology 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 Marine Science (primarily at the undergraduate level), including a 200-level course in Environmental Microbiology.

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 programs.

Contribute to the mission of the university, SOSE, and the profession through service activities.

Perform other duties as assigned.         

Additional Information: 
This hire is part of a coordinated effort by SOSE to expand the research and teaching capabilities across the school. SOSE is also seeking an expert in carbonate chemistry (Assistant Professor at the Division of Coastal Sciences located at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS) and an expert in marine chemistry (Assistant Professor at the Division of Marine Sciences located at the NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center, MS).
SOSE is home to ~160 undergraduate and ~60 graduate students. It offers BS degrees in Marine Biology, Marine Science, Marine Science with an emphasis on Hydrography (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, Toxigenomics, and others. SOSE delivers programs across coastal Mississippi, as well as on USM’s main campus in Hattiesburg. SOSE undergraduate teaching primarily takes 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.

Minimum Qualifications  
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in biology, marine biology, oceanography, or a closely related discipline. The successful candidate will be required to pass USM employment background check. 
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
 

• Ability to engage with staff and faculty effectively, collaboratively, and collegially.
• Ability to design and deliver an engaging and effective undergraduate curriculum.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong work ethic striving for continuous improvement and achievement of high standards.
• Commitment to promoting academic diversity and inclusion and fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.

  Preferred Qualifications
Preferred qualification includes expertise in Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology or Microbial Ecology. Experience in developing curricula and delivering courses at the college level. Mentoring experience. Non-academic experience in industry, non-profit, or government.   

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 146 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others.  USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu .

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.