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 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 andleads research in ocean observing networks, uncrewed systems, and data sciencewithin the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise. This positionintegrates fundamental engineering principles and data science methods tosupport autonomous data collection, sensor algorithm development, marineenvironmental modeling, and research, development, testing, and evaluation(RDT&E) of uncrewed systems (UxS) and ocean observing technologies. Theposition develops and implements statistical, mathematical, computerprogramming, operations research, and diagnostic methods and techniques tointerpret and analyze complex data. Exercising independent judgment underlimited supervision from a higher‑level scientist or technical supervisor, thePost-Doctoral Research Associate supports research involving ocean sensingbuoys and uncrewed surface and subsurface marine vehicles, including platformsystems, payloads, command and control systems, power systems, and dataintegration and analysis. This position is located at the Roger F. WickerCenter for Ocean Enterprise in Gulfport, Mississippi, and collaborates withindustry, academic, state, and federal partners to advance ocean technology andresearch 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, OceanEngineering, Hydrography, Physical Science or a related field. Dissertationmust be defended and approved, and all degree requirements must be met prior tothe start of the position. Two (2) years of experience in data scienceresearch, applications, or a similar occupation. Related education and relatedexperience may be substituted on an equal basis. Must have a valid Driver’sLicense. 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 relatedresearch. Two (2) years of experience preparing or contributing topeer-reviewed manuscripts, grant proposals, or conference presentations. About The University of Southern Mississippi Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programssuchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit . The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY. #J-18808-Ljbffr