Adjunct Instructor, Coastal Science

TheUniversity of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Coastal Sciences invitesapplications from instructors to teach field intensive marine science coursesat the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The courses will be offered as a part of theGulf Coast Research Laboratory’s Summer Field Program during the summerintersession, first summer term, and second summer term. For information aboutthe Summer Field Program, visit  Thisis a non-tenure track, temporary position for the summer only. Upon successful course delivery, additionalteaching opportunities may be available in subsequent years.

Weanticipate filling the following instructor vacancies as needed :

Barrier Island Ecology – COA 448 / 448Lthree credit hours (2 lecture, 1 lab). Course Description : This field coursewill familiarize students with concepts of coastal ecology with emphasis on thediversity of plant and animal communities unique to the northern Gulf of Mexicobarrier islands. Students will take field excursions to barrier islands during thiscourse. Topics covered include marsh, submerged, and barrier island vegetation,aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, mammals, birds and reptiles, intertidaland shallow subtidal communities, and geologic processes of island dynamics.

Cetacean Behavior - COA 444three credit hours (3 lecture). Course description : Students will learn tools and techniquesused in the systematic observation and documentation of delphinid behavior inthe wild. Course includes both classroom lecture and field studies focusedprimarily on dolphins of the Mississippi Sound.

Elasmobranch Biology – COA422 / 522, 422L / 522L six credit hours (3 lecture, 3 lab). Course Description : This specialized course will provide students with an overview of elasmobranch(sharks, skates and rays) biology, ecology and taxonomy. Lectures will coversuch topics as evolution, anatomy and physiology, sensory systems, behavior andecology. Students will be introduced to the diversity of elasmobranchs and willlearn how to identify species. Special emphasis will be given to the speciescommon to the Gulf of Mexico. Laboratory work will consist of several inshoreand offshore collecting trips, as well as dissections.

Marine Conservation – COA450 / 550, 450L / 550L, five credit hours (3 lecture, 2 lab). Course Description : Thiscourse will introduce students to conservation biology and ecology with a focuson marine and coastal ecosystems. Topics may include biodiversity, marineecosystems processes and threats, conservation of habitat and species, andhuman impacts, solutions, and policy. The course will consist of lectures,field trips, and laboratory exercises designed to provide students withhands-on experience in marine conservation biology.

Marine Ichthyology – COA421 / 521, COA 421L / 521L, six credit hours (3 lecture, 3 lab). CourseDescription : is an intensive marine biological field course, which engagesstudents to collect and identify marine fishes in numerous habitats in the Gulfof Mexico. Students experience a variety of land-based and vessel-basedcollection techniques, such as seining, cast netting, hook and line fishing,trawling, trolling, dip netting and many others. Students must work effectivelyalone and in teams and participate in field expeditions to complete the courseobjectives. Successful students gain an appreciation for taxonomic identitiesof fishes and the synergism between abiotic and biotic factors that drivemarine fish distribution and faunal diversity in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Marine InvertebrateZoology - COA 428 / 528, 428L / 528L, six credithours (3 lecture / 3 laboratory). Course description : This course is aconcentrated study of the marine and estuarine invertebrates from theMississippi Sound and contiguous continental shelf of the northeastern Gulf ofMexico. Emphasis is on structure, classification, phylogenic relationships,larval development, and functional processes. Prerequisites : Two semesters ofbiology or permission of instructor.

Marine Mammals – COA443 / 543, 443L / 543L, five credit hours (3 lecture, 2 lab). Course Description : This course is an overview of the biology of marine mammals (cetaceans, pinnipeds,sirenians, sea otters and the polar bear), including their classification,evolutionary history, anatomy, physiology, behavior, conservation andmanagement. Course will be online in 2025.

Marine Sciences I : Oceanography – COA 300 / 300L, five credit hours (3lecture, 2 lab). Course Description : This course provides a multidisciplinaryfoundation in oceanography, specifically the terminology, principles,processes, relationships and phenomena pertaining to its sub-disciplines : physical, geological, biological and chemical oceanography. The importance ofthe interaction of biotic and abiotic processes in the ocean will be addressedthrough exploration of timely issues in ocean science.

Marine Sciences II : Marine Biology – COA 301 / 301L, five credit hours (3lecture, 2 lab). Course Description : An ecological approach is taken tounderstand the biology of marine systems with emphasis on local organisms,their habitats, life cycles and survival strategies.

Marine Toxicology – COA490 / 590 : Special Topics – Marine Toxicology five credit hours. CourseDescription : This course will introduce students to the concepts of aquatictoxicology. Lectures will cover history and basic concepts of toxicology with afocus on aquatic issues, modern molecular techniques commonly used in moderntoxicology applications, an overview of common xenobiotics, and experimentaldesign. Lab activities will focus on basic toxicological skills, includingexposure setup and monitoring, endpoint selection and basic moleculartechniques. Course will be online in 2025.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• The course should be developed to include a combination of lectures, labs, and field trips. The focus must be field intensive with experiential learning opportunities through a variety of field trips (typically 2-3 field trips / week). Field trips options include utilization of GCRL research vessels, local or regional land-based trips, and / or other related field trips that provide relevant educational opportunities and are within field budget constraints.
• Class meets every weekday during the course term. However, due to weather impacts on field activities, flexibility in course and / or field schedule is necessary.
• Prepare and submit syllabi, grades and other required course documentation in a timely manner.
• Maintain communication with Summer Field Program staff members, communicate course requirements and expectations to students.
• Follow the policies and procedures of the University of Southern Mississippi.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Preferred Qualifications