Assistant Professor of Avian Biology

Assistant Professor of Avian Biology

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Avian Biology.

Position Details Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States Division School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences Position Type Faculty Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Pay Grade

Generic Grade

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae (CV), statement of research plan, statement of teaching philosophy, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Upon completion of the hiring process, an offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check. For inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Carl Qualls, Chair of Search Committee, at (601) 266-6906 or Carl.Qualls@usm.edu.

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 Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor of Avian Biology beginning August 2027. Research interests may include, but are not limited to, migration, vector biology, behavioral ecology, reproductive biology, pollination biology, and/or conservation biology. Ideal candidates will be expected to develop a highly interactive research program that synergizes with or enhances those of the School and the University. Preference will be given to individuals who show potential to integrate with existing institutional research strengths.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in line with area of expertise.
• Establish an active and externally funded research program that incorporates both graduate and undergraduate students.
• Mentor graduate students to further their professional development.
• Contribute to the service mission of the University, college, and school by participating in school, college, and university service activities.
• Advise students in the School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences.
• Perform outreach to raise profile of institutional programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in Biology or closely related discipline.

Publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work effectively, collaboratively, and collegially with students, faculty, and staff.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Operation of instrumentation required to conduct research in their area of expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

Postdoctoral research experience.

Strong record of scholarship demonstrated by high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Record of seeking extramural research support evidenced by proposal submission and/or receipt of funding awards.

Experience, commitment, and interest in teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses.

About the School

The School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences serves a large and diverse cohort of students and has strong research programs with 24 tenure-track faculty in cellular/molecular biology, organismal biology, ecology, geography, and geology. The School operates a biosafety level 3 laboratory, an animal research facility, and a state-of-the-art instrumentation core that houses, among other equipment, a confocal super-resolution microscope. The School also manages a 290-acre reserve, the Lake Thoreau Environmental Center, which consists of 100-year old longleaf pine savanna, secondary pine-oak-hickory forest, spring-seeps, headwater streams, and an 11-acre lake and is home to a facility that houses a herbarium, insect collection, and fish collection. Southern Mississippi exists along a migration route for annual movement of bird populations between North and South America, and thus offers an ideal opportunity for research into their biology, ecology, and conservation and interactions with other organisms. Dedicated laboratory space, a competitive startup package, and a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be provided.

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.