CFRD Research Scientist

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 Applicants

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a community of engaged citizens, operating as a public, student-centered, doctoral-granting research university serving Mississippi, the nation, and the world. The University is dedicated to scholarship and learning, integrating students at all levels in the creation and application of knowledge through excellence in teaching, 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 the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, a marine laboratory featuring comprehensive research programs in coastal and marine biological sciences. Research program support includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation; a fleet of small and large research vessels; the GCRL Museum collection; facilities at the Center for Fisheries Research and Development (CFRD) and Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC);

and the NSF I/UCRC Science Center for Marine Fisheries. Ocean Springs is known for its beauty, natural resources, and arts community. It is home to galleries, restaurants, and schools that are ranked among the best in the state.

Center for Fisheries Research and Development

The Center for Fisheries Research and Development is a research unit at the GCRL campus of USM that has been conducting fisheries monitoring for over 50 years. Our scientists develop and implement research efforts that informs resource management at regional, national, and international levels. We work with state, federal, and community partners to ensure that we understand scientific fishery needs, and focus our research efforts on how we can promote sustainable fisheries and habitats.

Our staff also serve on assessment panels to ensure our data inform effective management decisions. CFRD resources include a fleet of vehicles and vessels, a flat bed trailer, a wide array of sampling gear for invertebrates and vertebrates of all life stages, water sampling and monitoring equipment, passive acoustic telemetry arrays, histology and ageing technology, 3-D printer, as well as equipped wet labs and dry labs.

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).

Job Summary

The Center for Fisheries Research and Development at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory campus of The University of Southern Mississippi invites qualified applicants to apply for a full-time Research Scientist position; developing, directing, and participating in research projects relating to field based fisheries science. The Research Scientist is expected to maintain an externally funded research program in fisheries.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities