The Hamdan Lab in the School of Ocean Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi is hiring three new positions to support two projects that begin in Fall 2018 and Spring 2019. Both projects address the impact of the built environment in the deep-sea. We are seeking a Research Technician to begin in Fall 2018, and a Postdoctoral Researcher and Graduate Student to begin in Spring 2019.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is seeking applications for a newly-established Endowed Chair in its Division of Marine Science (DMS). This is a permanent, tenure track position for which we are seeking an enthusiastic candidate who can flourish within the multi-disciplinary environment of our department and enhance our academic and research enterprises. The Division is located in the federal city of NASA’s Stennis Space Center and benefits from close working relationships with a number of on-site federal agencies, including several of the Navy divisions, USGS and NOAA.  DMS graduate and undergraduate programs extend across traditional marine science emphasis areas in biological, physical, chemical and geological oceanography, and also encompass hydrographic science and ocean engineering. Although candidates with accomplishments in biological oceanography or ocean technology will be given enhanced consideration, qualified candidates from other sub-disciplines of oceanography will also be considered.  The successful candidate should, above all, demonstrate superior potential to contribute across the noted disciplines and promote the continued interdisciplinary growth of our academic and research programs. This growth has recently included the construction of a new building at the Port of Gulfport, the acquisition of the Research Vessel Point Sur, the establishment of a unique certificate program in Unmanned Maritime Systems, and the formation of the School of Ocean Science and Technology, which also includes the Division of Coastal Sciences located at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs. Applicant review will begin February, 2018 and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Division of Marine Science (DMS), within the School of Ocean Science and Technology (SOST), invites applications for two tenure-track positions in ocean engineering at the assistant professor level. This newly established Ocean Engineering baccalaureate program creates an opportunity to blend engineering approaches with DMS established expertise in marine and hydrographic sciences, and to develop innovative solutions to the exploration of the oceanographic environment. These positions offer the successful candidates the possibility to contribute to the implementation and future growth of our ocean engineering program. This program is expected to combine strengths in ocean sampling technologies, technology fabrication, and coastal hydrodynamics with innovative application of ocean engineering solutions. The successful candidates should be able to leverage collaborations with SOST marine scientists and hydrographers within DMS and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, and computer and polymer engineers within USM’s College of Science and Technology. DMS faculty also interact with research scientists of federal agencies at Stennis Space Center, such as the Naval Research Laboratory, the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, and NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center. Applicant review will begin February 1, 2018 and continue until the position is filled.

The Hamdan Lab, in the Division of Coastal Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi seeks an exceptional student to participate in marine microbial ecology studies in deep-sea habitats. This funded position will support independent research on the effects of oil spills on benthic ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico. The research assistantship will support (stipend, tuition, benefits) a highly motivated PhD or MS study for up to three years beginning in Fall 2017. A student is sought to conduct independent research that investigates microbial population structure, metabolic capability, biodiversity and biogeochemistry of benthic environments. This position will involve laboratory studies using molecular biological techniques (DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing), bioinformatics, classical approaches to environmental microbiology (microscopy, metabolic tracers), and analytical chemistry techniques (stable carbon isotope studies, elemental analysis, bulk carbon pool analysis). Individuals interested in this position should contact Dr. Leila Hamdan (leila.hamdan@usm.edu), and provide a cover letter outlining specific interests and experience in the study of marine microbial ecology or biogeochemistry and a curriculum vita. Application for Fall 2017 admission at USM is required.

The Hamdan Lab at the University of Southern Mississippi seeks a qualified and highly motivated individual for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist position. This position will support research on the effects of oil spills on benthic ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically sought is a Postdoc to investigate the long-term consequences of oil and chemical dispersant exposure on the preservation of 20^th century historic steel shipwreck in the deep biosphere. The individual will design and implement ROV deployable seafloor experiments to monitor microbially induced corrosion. Individuals with experience with microbiology and biogeochemistry, with specific knowledge and molecular biological techniques (DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing) are encouraged to apply. Experience and proficiency in bioinformatics and statistical analysis is desired for this position as well as proficiency with analytical chemistry techniques, including hydrocarbon analysis. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in coastal or marine sciences, geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry or similar field. The hire will be encouraged to participate in the planning and execution of oceanographic research onboard USM’s research vessel Point Sur for periods of up to two weeks at sea, and contribute to student mentoring. Excellent written and oral communication skills are needed, as well as a commitment to developing peer-reviewed manuscripts. Pending funding, the position will support the hire for 3 years, starting as early as June 2017.

The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory at the University of Southern Mississippi (gcrl.usm.edu) is seeking a qualified and highly motivated individual for a postdoctoral research scientist position in the laboratory of Dr. Leila Hamdan. The research will be related to the study of marine microbial communities in the deep sea, focusing on the biodiversity surrounding shipwreck ecosystems. Highly successful candidates would have experience with microbiology and biogeochemistry, with specific knowledge and expertise in molecular biological techniques (DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing). Experience and proficiency in bioinformatics and statistical analysis is highly desired and needed for this position. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in coastal or marine sciences, environmental microbiology or similar field. The main job responsibilities will be data analysis and manuscript preparation. Fieldwork is not a requirement of the position, but opportunities are available to participate in, and design at sea studies in the Gulf of Mexico, onboard USM’s research vessel Point Sur. Excellent written and oral communication skills are needed, as well as a commitment to developing peer-reviewed manuscripts. The position is for immediate hire. Review of applicants will begin immediately and proceed until the position is filled.