Teaching Assistant, Coastal Sciences

Position Details

Location:

Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

Address: 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564, United States

Division:
School of Ocean Science and Engineering

Position Type:
Staff

Employment Status:
Full Time

Pay Grade:
Generic Grade

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Applicants should upload:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions (official transcripts may be required if selected)
• Cover letter describing relevant education, research, and/or work experience related to the marine/coastal science field, including the course(s) you wish to TA

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States full-time. The university does not sponsor work visas.

The Department of Coastal Sciences at USM invites applications for Teaching Assistants to support field-intensive marine science courses at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.

Courses are part of the Summer Field Program, offered during summer intersession, first summer term, and second summer term.

• Classes meet every weekday; schedule flexibility is required due to weather.

Overnight travel may be required. Some courses may shift from field/lab intensive to virtual.

• Barrier Island Ecology (COA 448/448L, 3 credit hours) – Coastal ecology, field excursions to barrier islands, study of flora/fauna and geologic processes.
• Cetacean Behavior (COA 444, 3 credit hours) – Observation of delphinid behavior, classroom and field study focused on dolphins.
• Elasmobranch Biology (COA 422/522, 422L/522L, 6 credit hours) – Sharks, skates, and rays; lectures and labs with inshore/offshore collections.
• Marine Conservation (COA 450/550, 450L/550L, 5 credit hours) – Conservation biology and ecology of marine/coastal ecosystems, lectures, field trips, labs.
• Marine Ichthyology (COA 421/521, 421L/521L, 6 credit hours) – Fish collection, identification, field expeditions in Gulf of Mexico.
• Marine Invertebrate Zoology (COA 428/528, 428L/528L, 6 credit hours) – Study of invertebrates, classification, functional processes, fieldwork.
• Marine Mammals (COA 443/543, 443L/543L, 5 credit hours) – Biology of marine mammals; online in 2026.
• Marine Sciences I:
  Oceanography (COA 300/300L, 5 credit hours) – Multidisciplinary foundation in physical, geological, biological, chemical oceanography.
• Marine Sciences II:
  Marine Biology (COA 301/301L, 5 credit hours) – Ecological approach to marine systems and local organisms.
• Marine Toxicology (COA 490/590, 5 credit hours) – Aquatic toxicology; online in 2026.
• The Culture of the Coast (COA 490, 5 credit hours) – Coastal processes, human communities, literature, music, arts, fieldwork.

• Gather and prepare supplies and lab equipment
• Coordinate field experiences, including logistics and transportation
• Ensure laboratory safety for students and staff
• Assist with tests, quizzes, grading, and delivering course content
• Maintain communication with Summer Field Program staff
• Follow USM policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as required

• B.S. in Biology, Zoology, Coastal Science, or related field

• Conduct field courses in Northern Gulf of Mexico habitats
• Ability to drive 15-passenger vans for field trips
• Criminal history and background check clearance

• Prior teaching assistant experience in undergraduate/graduate programs

• Knowledge of course content, relevant field/research experience
• Commitment to USM, College of Arts & Sciences, and SOSE mission

• Experience with Canvas, Blackboard, or online learning platforms

• Founded in 1910, serves >13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach
• Community-engaged Carnegie R1 university
• Known for polymer science, ocean science, spectator safety, language research, and more
• Graduates trained for emerging technologies, computer engineering, IT, ocean engineering, business, education, nursing

USM is an EOE/VETS/DISABILITY employer and encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.