Professor of Practice in Polymer Science and Engineering

Professor of Practice in Polymer Science and Engineering

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Professor of Practice in Polymer Science and Engineering.

Position Details

Location

Hattiesburg

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg Mississippi 39406-0001
United States

Division

School of Polymer Science and Engineering

Position Type

Faculty

Employment Status

Full Time

Grant Funded

No

Pay Grade

Generic Grade

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants Applications must be submitted online at . A complete application will include:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Brief statement of teaching philosophy that includes interest in specific courses in the polymer science and engineering undergraduate and graduate curricula and discusses approaches to laboratory design experiential learning and integration of professional practice into the curriculum.
Name and contact information for at least three references (letters will be requested following initial review).

Review of applications will begin November 20 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority.

For inquiries contact Dr. Derek Patton Director School of Polymer Science and Engineering at .

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 School of Polymer Science and Engineering (SPSE) at The University of Southern Mississippi invites applications for a full-time nine-month non-tenure-track Professor of Practice position beginning August 2027. We seek candidates with strong technical expertise and professional experience in polymer science and engineering who will contribute to the Schools teaching experiential learning student mentoring and industry engagement activities.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in polymer science and engineering with opportunities to teach graduate courses particularly emphasizing laboratory design and other applied aspects of the curriculum. In this role the successful candidate will draw on professional practice and applied experience to strengthen classroom and elevate experiential learning while supporting student professional development and engagement with industry and other external partners.

Opportunities also exist to engage in and support the broader research enterprise of the School including participation in externally funded projects applied research workforce development and industry-sponsored activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Teach undergraduate and as appropriate graduate courses in polymer science and engineering.
2. Develop and deliver laboratory prototyping design-based and other experiential learning activities.
3. Advise and mentor students through capstone design applied projects and other project-based educational experiences.
4. Mentor undergraduate students in academic professional and career development.
5. Collaborate with faculty and staff on curriculum development assessment accreditation workforce development outreach and industry engagement.
6. Build and strengthen relationships with industry and government partners in support of education experiential learning workforce development and collaborative activities.
7. Contribute to grant writing proposal development and externally funded projects particularly those involving applied research workforce development or industry partnerships.
8. Contribute to the mission of the School College University and broader professional community through service.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.
   

Minimum Qualifications
Earned Ph.D. in polymer science and engineering or a closely related discipline.
Professional experience in industry government applied research or a closely related setting relevant to polymer science and engineering.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work effectively collaboratively andcollegially with students staff faculty and external partners.
• Ability to apply polymer science and engineeringfundamentals to practical problems and applications.
• Knowledge of common polymer characterization processingtesting and laboratory methods.
• Ability to translate professional practice and appliedtechnical experience into effective classroom laboratory and project-basedinstruction.
• Ability to contribute to curriculum development assessmentand continuous improvement.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications Three or more years of professional experience in industry government applied research manufacturing or a related setting relevant to polymer science and engineering.
Prior teaching training or student mentorship experience in higher education industry or another professional setting.
Demonstrated ability to integrate professional or industry practice into teaching experiential learning and student mentorship.
Experience with polymer processing manufacturing product development scale-up testing or characterization.
Experience advising design projects or multidisciplinary design-build-test activities.
Familiarity with ABET accreditation and outcomes-based assessment.
Experience contributing to externally funded industry-sponsored workforce development or applied research activities.
Demonstrated ability to develop productive relationships with industry or government partners.

About the School
The School of Polymer Science and Engineering (SPSE) is one of the nations few academic units devoted entirely to polymer science and engineering. SPSE comprises 13 faculty members including multiple early-career awardees. Research in the School spans polymer composites and materials for extreme environments including fire-retardant and carboncarbon systems; biomaterials and polymers for human health including tissue repair regeneration and therapeutic delivery; materials for energy and sustainability; optoelectronic materials; and advanced coatings. SPSE maintains a robust well-funded research portfolio supported by federal agencies industry and private foundations. The Thames Polymer Science Research Center provides state-of-the-art facilities for polymer research including NMR (400/600 MHz) TEM SAXS/WAXS XPS/UPS polymer processing (extrusion/injection molding) composite fabrication and advanced thermal rheological and mechanical characterization tools.

SPSE sustains one of the largest polymer-focused graduate programs in the country alongside a growing ABET-accredited undergraduate program and offers B.S. M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in polymer science and engineering. For more information about SPSE visit 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 13000 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 nations 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 hydrographynutrition aquaculture kinesiology and economic development among others.

We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering information technology and ocean engineering. Were 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.

Required Experience:

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