Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor in Ocean Science

Job Details

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach lecture and laboratory-based courses in Marine Biology and Oceanography (primarily at the undergraduate level).
• 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 program effectiveness.
• Contribute to the mission of the university, SOSE, and the profession through service activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Master’s or Ph.D. in biology, oceanography, or a related discipline. The successful candidate will be required to pass a 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

Expertise in Environmental Microbiology, Marine Aquaculture, Marine Botany, Marine Environmental Science, Marine Mammalogy, Marine Pollution, Ocean Acoustics, Phycology, or Physical Oceanography

Proficiency in R or Python.

Experience in developing curricula and delivering courses at the college level.

Mentoring experience.

Non-academic experience in industry, non-profit, or government.

Contact Information

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.