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Tenure Track (Open Rank) Professor Aquatic Ecotoxicology

The University of Southern Mississippi · Ocean Springs, MS · 1 wk ago
EducationFull-time

Location: Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564, United States

Position Type: Full-time, 9-month, tenure-track faculty position (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level) beginning Fall 2026. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship.

About the Role

The Division of Coastal Sciences (COA) in the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) seeks a scientist with a focus on aquatic ecotoxicology. The successful candidate will investigate organismal responses to current and future anthropogenic stressors and contaminants, with potential research areas including:

  • Molecular, biochemical, and organismal responses to contaminants (e.g., metals, pesticides, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and/or emerging contaminants)
  • Mechanisms of toxicity
  • Multi-stressor experimental research

The candidate will utilize a custom-built, state-of-the-art 11,000 ft² biosafety level 2 toxicology facility, featuring two aquatic exposure chambers, an in-house aquaculture lab, molecular biology lab, and instrumentation lab. The facility supports precise flow-through control of environmental variables and toxins. Additional details are available at USM Aquatic Toxicology Facility.

Responsibilities

  • Develop a strong, nationally recognized, and externally funded research program
  • Publish in peer-reviewed literature
  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate students
  • Deliver engaging instruction and contribute to the educational mission of COA and SOSE by developing and teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in aquatic ecotoxicology and broader coastal/marine sciences
  • Engage in service activities to COA, SOSE, and USM
  • Foster collaborations across USM’s diverse academic units, including the Division of Marine Science
  • Perform other assigned duties

Requirements

  • Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience in a relevant discipline

Skills

  • Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • Engagement: Proactive and responsive communication with the university community; participation in research and service
  • Problem Solving: Ability to assess risks, identify solutions, and implement them
  • Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to changing situations
  • Professional Commitment: Desire to stay current in the field and improve mastery of discipline, pedagogy, and university mission
  • Academic Perseverance: Drive to persist in goal-directed behavior and see projects through to completion
  • Leadership: Ability to motivate others, mentor students, and inspire trust
  • Communication: Ability to convey information clearly and inclusively to diverse audiences (students, colleagues, stakeholders, general public)
  • Technology Proficiency: Ability to use technology for communication, organization, and enhancing thinking skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Publication in peer-reviewed literature
  • Record of scholarship, service, and grant development appropriate for the applicant’s rank

About the University

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), founded in 1910, is a community-engaged Carnegie R1 research institution serving over 13,000 students across campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, additional sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and online. USM is recognized for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and language development for children with communication disorders. The university is a national leader in disciplines such as cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development. SOSE offers graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) and undergraduate programs in Coastal Sciences, Marine Science, Hydrographic Science, Marine Biology, and Ocean Engineering, as well as a certificate program in Uncrewed Maritime Systems.

SOSE leverages its Gulf Coast location and expertise to address challenges facing coastal and marine environments. Facilities span four principal sites: NASA Stennis Space Center, Gulf Park Campus at Long Beach, Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise at the Port of Gulfport, and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs. The position is based at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, which features comprehensive research programs in coastal and marine biological sciences, supported by state-of-the-art labs, research vessels, the GCRL Museum, and centers such as the Center for Fisheries Research and Development (CFRD) and Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC).

Ocean Springs is known for its natural beauty, arts community, and top-ranked schools.

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