Post Doctoral Research Associate

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Post Doctoral Research Associate.

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:
Generic Grade

Posting Close Date November 30, 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).

The Post-Doctoral Research Associate conducts andleads research in ocean observing networks, uncrewed systems, and data science within the Roger

F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise. This position integrates fundamental engineering principles and data science methods tosupport autonomous data collection, sensor algorithm development, marine environmental modeling, and research, development, testing, and evaluation(RDT&E) of uncrewed systems (UxS) and ocean observing technologies. The position develops and implements statistical, mathematical, computer programming, operations research, and diagnostic methods and techniques to interpret and analyze complex data. Exercising independent judgment under limited supervision from a higher‑level scientist or technical supervisor, thePost-Doctoral Research Associate supports research involving ocean sensing buoys and uncrewed surface and subsurface marine vehicles, including platformsystems, 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 to advance ocean technology and research initiatives.

• Conducts independent and collaborative research to advance hardware, software, and techniques and develops computational algorithms and statistical methods to identify patterns and relationships in large volumes of data.
• Prepares technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to communicate research findings and innovation outcomes.
• Collaborates with academic and external partners to support research initiatives and expand project impact.
• Contributes to Ocean Enterprise goals by participating in the development of proposals, keeping appropriate Ocean Enterprise staff informed of activities, and providing status reports documenting project milestones.
• Participates in the testing and evaluation of uncrewed systems (UxS) and other autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles or platforms and performs analysis of collected data.
• Provides programmatic and technical support to project directors or principal investigators and collaborates with Ocean Enterprise, The University of Southern Mississippi, and external researchers, as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Ph.D.from an accredited college or university in Oceanography, Data Science, Ocean Engineering, Hydrography, Physical Science or a related field. Dissertation must be defended and approved, and all degree requirements must be met prior tothe start of the position. Two (2) years of experience in data science research, applications, or a similar occupation. Related education and related experience may be substituted on an equal basis.

Must have a valid Driver’sLicense. 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.
• Stron…