Geophysical Oceanographer

Geophysical Oceanographer

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Geophysical Oceanographer.

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 Salary Range 70,536.00 - 95,432.00 Pay Grade

E14

Posting Close Date September 19, 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

This position conducts applied oceanographic and geophysical research supporting autonomous underwater systems, seabed characterization, multi-sensor data collection, and environmental context modeling. The position plans and analyzes underwater survey data, characterizes seafloor and environmental conditions, and evaluates their impact on survey quality, sensor interpretation, and autonomous mission planning. Working collaboratively with AI/ML engineers, signal processing researchers, and field operations personnel, the position supports the research, development, testing, and evaluation of advanced underwater sensing and autonomous systems at the Center for Ocean Enterprise.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts geophysical and oceanographic characterization for autonomous underwater sensing, including analysis and interpretation of seabed, bathymetric, environmental, sonar, magnetic, navigation, and other geospatial survey data.
• Plans, supports, and evaluates multi-sensor underwater data collection involving side-scan sonar, synthetic aperture sonar, multibeam echosounders, magnetometers, ROVs, navigation systems, and environmental sensors.
• Defines and evaluates environmental, seabed, and survey metadata needed to support AI/ML, signal processing, sensor interpretation, and autonomy workflows, including bottom type, bathymetry, acoustic context, navigation quality, survey quality, and sensor operating conditions.
• Evaluates the effects of seabed characteristics, environmental conditions, sensor geometry, vehicle motion, altitude, range, and survey design on data quality, sensor performance, interpretability, and model confidence.
• Develops and evaluates data quality standards and environmentally informed decision-support approaches for underwater survey products, translating oceanographic and geophysical conditions into model inputs, performance metrics, confidence factors, and operational guidance.
• Interprets georeferenced sonar, bathymetric, magnetic, ROV, and related datasets to support seabed classification, environmental characterization, reacquisition planning, and validation of autonomous perception and sensing outputs.
• Collaborates with AI/ML, signal processing, software, sensor engineering, and field operations personnel to incorporate real-world oceanographic and seabed conditions into model development, performance evaluation, testing, and mission planning.
• Prepares technical reports, maps, data summaries, survey assessments, research publications, presentations, and other documentation; remains current with advances in geophysical oceanography, hydrographic surveying, marine remote sensing, seabed classification, and autonomous underwater sensing.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Geophysical Oceanography, Physical Oceanography, Geophysics, Hydrography, or a related field and six (6) years of related experience; or a Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in Geophysical Oceanography, Physical Oceanography, Geophysics, Hydrography, or a related field and four (4) years of related experience. U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a government security clearance. Valid driver's license and eligibility to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of geophysical oceanography, seabed characterization, hydrographic surveying, and/or marine remote sensing principles and practices.
• Knowledge of underwater survey data interpretation, including sonar imagery, bathymetry, navigation, and geospatial data.
• Knowledge of the effects of seabed characteristics, water-column conditions, sensor geometry, survey design, and operational conditions on underwater sensing and data quality.
• Knowledge of environmental and geophysical metadata used in AI/ML, signal processing, sensor interpretation, and autonomous systems.
• Knowledge of underwater sensing technologies, including side-scan sonar, synthetic aperture sonar, multibeam echosounders, magnetometers, ROVs, and related systems.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating large geospatial, oceanographic, acoustic, bathymetric, and remote-sensing datasets.
• Skill in evaluating underwater survey quality, including resolution, coverage, navigation consistency, altitude, range, motion effects, acoustic artifacts, and georeferencing.
• Ability to translate scientific, environmental, and geophysical information into engineering, testing, performance assessment, and operational guidance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including AI/ML, software, signal processing, sensor engineering, and field operations personnel.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific and technical information effectively through technical reports, publications, maps, briefings, presentations, and other research documentation.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple research priorities, and coordinate research and field-support activities in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with autonomous underwater vehicles, unmanned maritime systems, or field-based oceanographic operations; underwater sensor data collection and analysis; seabed classification, sediment characterization, or acoustic interpretation; and evaluating the effects of environmental conditions on survey quality and sensor performance. Experience developing marine survey or test plans, quality-control procedures, and working with geospatial or environmental data. Contributions to applied research, technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, or related field programs preferred.

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.