Research Associate Jobs in Long Beach, MS (NOW HIRING)

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 ApplicantsThe University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a communityof engaged citizens, operating as a public, student-centered, doctoral-grantingresearch university serving Mississippi, the nation, and the world. TheUniversity is dedicated to scholarship and learning, integrating students atall levels in the creation and application of knowledge through excellence inteaching, 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 theGulf Coast Research Laboratory, a marine laboratory featuring comprehensiveresearch programs in coastal and marine biological sciences. Research programsupport includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation; afleet of small and large research vessels; the GCRL Museum collection;facilities at the Center for Fisheries Research and Development (CFRD) and ThadCochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC); and the NSF I/UCRC Science Centerfor Marine Fisheries. Ocean Springs is known for its beauty, natural resources,and arts community. It is home to galleries, restaurants, and schools that areranked among the best in the state.
Center for FisheriesResearch and Development
The Center for Fisheries Research and Development is aresearch unit at the GCRL campus of USM that has been conducting fisheriesmonitoring for over 50 years. Our scientists develop and implement researchefforts that informs resource management at regional, national, andinternational levels. We work with state, federal, and community partners toensure that we understand scientific fishery needs, and focus our researchefforts on how we can promote sustainable fisheries and habitats. Our staffalso serve on assessment panels to ensure our data inform effective managementdecisions. CFRD resources include a fleet of vehicles and vessels, a flat bedtrailer, a wide array of sampling gear for invertebrates and vertebrates of alllife stages, water sampling and monitoring equipment, passive acoustictelemetry arrays, histology and ageing technology, 3-D printer, as well asequipped wet labs and dry labs
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job SummaryThe Centerfor Fisheries Research and Development at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratorycampus of The University of Southern Mississippi invites qualified applicants toapply for a full-time Research Scientist position; developing, directing, and participatingin research projects relating to field based fisheries science. The ResearchScientist is expected to maintain an externally funded research program infisheries.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 outreachevents and other activities as directed. Adheres to University policies, andprocedures and performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum QualificationsA Ph.D. froman accredited college or university in a fisheries relevant discipline and 5years related experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experiencein fisheries science (i.e. biology, population dynamics, ecology, physiology, behavior,conservation).
• Strongquantitative abilities
• Strongrecord of grantsmanship
• Strongrecord of publications, project leads, and scientific presentations
• Networkingcapabilities
• Ability towork as a member of a team
• Ability tolead a team

Preferred Qualifications
Postdoctoralexperience is preferred. A record of scholarship, service, grant development, communication,and publication. Consistent record of diverse funded research awards. Weencourage newly emerging fisheries discipline awareness looking at alternativemethods of addressing fisheries data needs. Preference will be given to applicants showing potential forcollaboration within USM centers and academic units (e.g. Marine Science,Coastal Science, Ocean Engineering, Aquaculture Center, Hydrographic ScienceResearch Center).
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, 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.