Post Doctoral Research Associate

Post Doctoral Research Associate

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

Position Details 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

Special Instructions to Applicants

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 Post-Doctoral Research Associate conducts and leads 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 to support 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, the Post-Doctoral Research Associate supports research involving 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 to advance ocean technology and research initiatives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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 to the 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's License. Must be able to obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret research periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures associated with research activities.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to prepare technical documentation, reports, research findings, and related materials.
• Ability to organize, document, and manage experimental data in accordance with research standards and established procedures.
• 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 datasets and perform fieldwork aboard small and large vessels, as required.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret research periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures associated with research activities.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to prepare technical documentation, reports, research findings, and related materials.
• Ability to organize, document, and manage experimental data in accordance with research standards and established procedures.
• 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 datasets and perform fieldwork aboard small and large vessels, as required.
• Knowledge of programming languages, platforms, software libraries, databases, cloud computing environments, and analytical tools used in data science and research, including Python, Java, Robot Operating System (ROS), R and RStudio, MATLAB, Amazon Web Services SageMaker, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, TensorFlow, Keras, Scikit-learn, Pandas, BASH, Apache, Parquet, Protocol Buffers, Nginx, NumPy, SQL, NoSQL databases including MongoDB, ArcPy, Tableau, Docker, and ArcGIS.

Preferred Qualifications

Two (2) years of experience in Uncrewed vehicles, Marine data science or related research. Two (2) years of experience preparing or contributing to peer-reviewed manuscripts, grant proposals, or conference presentations.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation''s leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.