Research Assistant Professor - Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute (MMRI) and Center for Marine Resources and Environmental Technology (CMRET)

Department:

Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute

Job Summary:

Performs a limited range of duties with a principal assignment(s) for conducting research. Not eligible for tenure.

Job Description:

The Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute (MMRI) and the Center for Marine Resources and Environmental Technology (CMRET) at the University of Mississippi invite applications for a non-tenure-track Assistant Research Professor specializing in Computational Geosciences, beginning in January 2027.

This is a full-time, 12-month, grant-funded research appointment initially offered for one year, with the possibility of extension for up to two additional years, subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.

 

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mathematics, computational methods, scientific programming, and advanced data analytics, with demonstrated experience applying AI and ML techniques to geoscientific problems. Areas of particular interest include remote sensing, bathymetric and topographic data analysis, acoustic imaging, geophysical data processing, and the characterization and imaging of Earth's surface and subsurface environments, including marine settings.

The successful candidate is expected to develop and contribute to an active research program involving computational geosciences, advanced data analysis, and the development of innovative AI/ML methodologies for interpreting complex geospatial and geophysical datasets.

The candidate will actively participate in research, student mentoring, and service activities within MMRI-CMRET, which operates within the University of Mississippi School of Engineering. The position offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with the School's nine academic departments, as well as national and international research partners.

Applicants should demonstrate substantial expertise in computational sciences, mathematics, acoustics, data analytics, scientific programming, and/or geosciences, supported by peer-reviewed publications, externally funded research, or other significant scholarly accomplishments.

Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in independent research and a demonstrated ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary and collaborative research teams are highly desirable.

Join the Ole Miss Family — Build Your Legacy Here!

Job Responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct original research involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computational methods applied to geoscientific problems.
• Develop, implement, and validate advanced computational algorithms for processing, analyzing, and interpreting geophysical, acoustic, bathymetric, topographic, and remote sensing datasets.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and the pursuit of external funding from federal agencies, industry, and other sponsors.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at national and international conferences.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students engaged in computational geoscience and related research activities.
• Collaborate with MMRI-CMRET researchers, faculty across the School of Engineering, and external academic, government, and industry partners.
• Participate in institute research initiatives, project management, technical reporting, and other scholarly and service activities.

Position Expectations

This is an in-person position based at the University of Mississippi, main campus in Oxford (MS). The successful candidate is expected to maintain a regular on-campus presence and actively participate in the daily research and collaborative activities of MMRI-CMRET.

The successful candidate must demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to establish and maintain productive, collegial working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external research partners.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Geophysics, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution of higher education, conferred by the date of appointment.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific computing, mathematical modeling, programming, data analytics, artificial intelligence, or machine learning.
• Evidence of an active research agenda, or demonstrated potential to establish a productive research program, in computational science and/or geosciences.
• Evidence of experience or demonstrated potential for effective mentoring of undergraduate or graduate students, particularly in computational and data-intensive research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral research experience or equivalent professional research experience in a university, research institute, national laboratory, or comparable research organization.
• Significant experience in seafloor imaging, marine geophysical mapping, bathymetric data analysis, and/or acoustic remote sensing.
• Advanced proficiency in developing and applying AI/ML algorithms to large, complex geospatial or geophysical datasets.
• Record of peer-reviewed scientific publications and participation in externally funded research projects related to computational geosciences.
• Evidence of effective collaboration within multidisciplinary research teams at the national or international level.

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title).

Education Qualifications:

PhD (Required)

Experience:

Related Experience

Interview Requirement:

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement:

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.