Teaching Assistant, Coastal Sciences

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Teaching Assistant, Coastal Sciences.

Position Details

• Location:
  
  Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
  703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564, United States
• Division:
  School of Ocean Science and Engineering
• Position Type:
  Staff
• Employment Status:
  Full Time
• Grant Funded:
  No
• Pay Grade:
  Generic Grade
• Posting Close Date:
  Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications for Teaching Assistant will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will be reviewed as needed.

Required Application Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (official transcripts may be required if selected)
• Cover letter describing relevant education, research, and/or work experience related to the marine/coastal science field. Course(s) the applicant wishes to TA must be specified in the cover letter

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 work visas (e.g., H‑1B).

Job Summary

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Coastal Sciences invites applications for teaching assistants to aid instructors in teaching field‑intensive marine science courses at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The courses will be offered as part of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory’s Summer Field Program during the summer intersession, first summer term, and second summer term. Class meets every weekday during the course term.

Due to weather impacts on field activities, schedule flexibility is necessary, including possible overnight travel. Modification of the teaching platform from field and lab intensive to virtual may be required. For information about the Summer Field Program, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Courses and Descriptions Barrier Island Ecology – COA 448/448L

Three credit hours (2 lecture, 1 lab). This field course familiarizes students with concepts of coastal ecology with emphasis on the diversity of plant and animal communities unique to the northern Gulf of Mexico barrier islands. Students will take field excursions to barrier islands during the course. Topics covered include marsh, submerged, and barrier island vegetation; aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates; mammals;

birds and reptiles; intertidal and shallow subtidal communities; and geologic processes of island dynamics.

Cetacean Behavior – COA 444

Three credit hours (3 lecture). Students will learn tools and techniques used in the systematic observation and documentation of delphinid behavior in the wild. Course includes both classroom lecture and field studies focused primarily on dolphins of the Mississippi Sound.

Elasmobranch Biology – COA 422/522, 422L/522L

Six credit hours (3 lecture, 3 lab). This specialized course provides an overview of elasmobranch (sharks, skates and rays) biology, ecology and taxonomy. Lectures cover evolution, anatomy, physiology, sensory systems, behavior and ecology. Students identify species and receive laboratory experience with inshore and offshore collecting trips and dissections.

Marine Conservation – COA 450/550, 450L/550L

Five credit hours (3 lecture, 2 lab). This course introduces conservation biology and ecology with a focus on marine and coastal ecosystems. Topics include biodiversity, marine ecosystem processes and threats, conservation of habitat and species, human impacts, solutions, and policy. The course uses lectures, field trips and laboratory exercises to give hands‑on experience.

Marine Ichthyology – COA 421/521, 421L/521L

Six credit hours (3 lecture, 3 lab). An intensive marine biological field course engaging students to collect and identify marine fishes in numerous Gulf of Mexico habitats. Students learn land‑based and vessel‑based collection techniques such as seining, cast netting, hook and line, trawling, trolling, dip netting, and more. Successful students gain appreciation for fish taxonomy and the biotic‑abiotic interactions driving distribution and diversity.

Marin…