Data Scientist II

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Data Scientist II.

Location Marine Research Center
1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport
Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501
United States

Division Ocean Enterprise

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded Yes

Pay Grade E12

Posting Close Date November 30, 2026

Must be able to obtain a TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Credential)
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 Data Scientist II develops and implements statistical, mathematical, computer programming, operations research, and diagnostic methods and techniques to interpret and analyze complex data. This position exercises independent judgment under limited supervision from a higher-level scientist or technical supervisor, with work activities planned, reviewed, and evaluated through regular consultation with leadership. The role supports research, development, testing, and evaluation activities related to ocean sensing buoys and uncrewed surface and subsurface marine vehicles, including platform systems, payloads, command and control systems, power systems, and data integration and analysis.

This position is located at the Roger

F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise in Gulfport, Mississippi and collaborates with industry, academic, state, and federal partners in support of ocean technology and research initiatives.

• Conduct research to advance hardware, software, and techniques to develop computational algorithms and statistical methods that find patterns and relationships in large volumes of data.
• Manage, collect, visualize, analyze, and summarize data, data reports, experiments, and field activities. Support preparation for peer-reviewed publications, including maps, tables, and other illustrative materials.
• Perform server maintenance, database administration, data pipelines creation, and web front end development.
• Contribute to Ocean Enterprise goals by participating in developing proposals, keeping appropriate individuals on the OE staff informed of activities and providing status reports documenting milestones regarding ongoing projects.
• Participate in test and evaluation of UxS, other autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles or platforms and perform analysis of data collected.
• Provides programmatic and technical support to project directors or principal investigators and collaborates with Ocean Enterprise, USM and external researchers as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in data science, engineering, computer science, remote sensing, physical science or related field, and six (6) years of experience in data science research, applications, or a similar occupation. Two (2) years of related education and related experience may be substituted on an equal basis. Must be a US Citizen or US Person and have a valid Driver’s License.

Must be able to obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret research periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures associated with research activities.
• Strong written communication skills necessary to perform assigned duties and prepare technical documentation and reports
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from data science professionals, stakeholders, and the public
• Ability to process, visualize, analyze, and interpret various geospatial…