Job Description

CFRD Research Scientist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of CFRD Research Scientist.

Position Details Location Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

703 East Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564
United States Division VP Research Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Pay Grade

Generic Grade

Posting Close Date August 31, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants
The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a community
of engaged citizens, operating as a public, student-centered, doctoral-granting
research university serving Mississippi, the nation, and the world. The
University is dedicated to scholarship and learning, integrating students at
all levels in the creation and application of knowledge through excellence in
teaching, research, creative activities, outreach, and service.

USM is among the 0.05% of institutions in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity” designation. Its expanding research enterprise includes experts in polymer science and engineering, cybersecurity, digital humanities, ocean science and engineering, nursing, large event venue safety and security, psychology, business and economic development, and more.

Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
This position will be located in Ocean Springs, MS at the
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, a marine laboratory featuring comprehensive
research programs in coastal and marine biological sciences. Research program
support includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation; a
fleet of small and large research vessels; the GCRL Museum collection;
facilities at the Center for Fisheries Research and Development (CFRD) and Thad
Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC); and the NSF I/UCRC Science Center
for Marine Fisheries. Ocean Springs is known for its beauty, natural resources,
and arts community. It is home to galleries, restaurants, and schools that are
ranked among the best in the state.

Center for Fisheries
Research and Development
The Center for Fisheries Research and Development is a
research unit at the GCRL campus of USM that has been conducting fisheries
monitoring for over 50 years. Our scientists develop and implement research
efforts that informs resource management at regional, national, and
international levels. We work with state, federal, and community partners to
ensure that we understand scientific fishery needs, and focus our research
efforts on how we can promote sustainable fisheries and habitats. Our staff
also serve on assessment panels to ensure our data inform effective management
decisions. CFRD resources include a fleet of vehicles and vessels, a flat bed
trailer, a wide array of sampling gear for invertebrates and vertebrates of all
life stages, water sampling and monitoring equipment, passive acoustic
telemetry arrays, histology and ageing technology, 3-D printer, as well as
equipped wet labs and dry labs

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).


The Center
for Fisheries Research and Development at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
campus of The University of Southern Mississippi invites qualified applicants to
apply for a full-time Research Scientist position; developing, directing, and participating
in research projects relating to field based fisheries science. The Research
Scientist is expected to maintain an externally funded research program in
fisheries.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develops, plans, implements and
   manages field based fisheries science research studies in a safe
   manner.
2. Writes proposals, achieves
   funding, and maintains research efforts through competitive grantsmanship.
3. Evaluates, analyzes and
   interprets scientific data. Reports data results through technical
   reports, manuscript development, and professional or public presentations.
4. Supervises the training,
   tasking, timeliness, and quality of work of technicians, scientists and
   other research staff on research projects.
5. Provides technical/scientific
   expertise to the CFRD Director, co-project leads/principal investigators (internal
   or external), state/federal agencies, special interest groups, and the
   general public.
6. Works with CFRD’s financial
   coordinator and financial manager, USM’s ORA, and other University
   entities to ensure compliance and regulatory mechanisms are met. Participates in outreach
   events and other activities as directed. Adheres to University policies, and
   procedures and performs other duties as assigned.
   

• Experience
  in fisheries science (i.e. biology, population dynamics, ecology, physiology, behavior,
  conservation).
• Strong
  quantitative abilities
• Strong
  record of grantsmanship
• Strong
  record of publications, project leads, and scientific presentations
• Networking
  capabilities
• Ability to
  work as a member of a team
• Ability to
  lead a team

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern
Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing
students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students
in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the
Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We
are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of
the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in
polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing
language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national
leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,
nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter
fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such
as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of
business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by
producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of
excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation
accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our
student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and
persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.