Job Information
University of Southern Mississippi Ocean Enterprise Research Associate III in Gulfport, Mississippi
Ocean Enterprise Research Associate III
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Ocean Enterprise Research Associate III.
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
Pay Grade
E10
Posting Close Date Five days from posting
Job Summary
This position helps coordinate research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) and training on ocean platforms and sensors including, but not limited to maritime systems, aerial systems, research vessels, remote sensing, and fixed or drifting profiling sensors, as well as develop and implement training for their use. The incumbent will also help assist a diverse staff of scientific and engineering managers, researchers, students, pilots, and support staff to execute multiple complex inter-disciplinary projects reaching across the University’s full complement of coastal and ocean activities as well as managing a diverse range of internal and external partnerships that will strengthen USM’s leadership in the emerging New Blue Economy.
The position includes managing financial databases for multiple programs/projects, including payroll, grant budget management, and purchasing. The incumbent will assist principal investigators with project management tasks, including employee time/effort certification, grant proposal development, auditing and tracking of inventoried equipment, administrative processes, procedures and professional travel coordination. The position will be located at the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise’s Marine Research Center (MRC), Gulfport, MS.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Helps oversee development, implementation and management of research projects including writing proposals, planning, statements of works, budgets, scheduling, report and manuscript preparation and dissemination of information through conferences and presentations. Provides technical and programmatic support to the Director of R&D for Ocean Enterprise, project leads/principal investigators other USM researchers and external partners.
Coordinates procurement activities for the research programs including procurement card and purchase order purchases for faculty and staff. Reconcile monthly detail reports in SOARFIN for program grant and designated account expenditures. Provide financial management of research grants, including budgeting, revisions, and forecasting. Remain current on federal grant and contracting compliance requirements and performing other similar duties as required or assigned.
Assists the Director of RDT&E and Training in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship programs, facilitate business development and partnerships, promote expansion of research infrastructure (classified and unclassified), technology transfer and commercialization activities as well as workforce training.
Supervises the timeliness, quality, and quantity of work of Scientific and Engineering Managers, Technicians, Researchers, Students, and other research staff. Prepares work schedules, annual work plan and project budget requests; purchases equipment, commodities, serves as purchasing authority; monitors expenditures of funds allocated to project.
Provides program/project management, with specific tasks including: managing time/effort reports; assisting principal investigators with proposal development; managing annual state inventory audits; assisting principal investigators with travel arrangements and reimbursements; coordinating staff, vessel and truck scheduling; assisting with general and project-specific data management.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Human Capital, IT, or Management or closely related field and a minimum of (6) years of experience in one or more of the following: budgeting activities/oversight technical writing, uncrewed systems, data analysis, program management, personnel management, or training program development/management. Related Education and related experience may be substituted on an equal basis. Valid Driver’s License is required. US Citizenship Required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Must have the ability to:
Plan and organize research projects and effectively manage projects to achieve research objectives;
Use MS Office proficiently, including MS Project.
Must be able to travel to various job sites in Mississippi or the US
Experience with financial software and managing budgets; Knowledge of pre- and post- award grant processes
Analyze, and interpret research periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures associated with research activities;
Exercise good judgment in appraising situations and making decisions;
Present comments and opinions clearly and concisely and deal tactfully with others; and,
Effectively present study results to appropriate scientific and governmental groups.
Preferred Qualifications
M.S. in related field
PMP (Project Management Professional) certification
CRP (Certified ROI Professional) certification with a minimum of (3) years of experience in program and project analysis for workforce development or training solutions evaluations.
Minimum of (3) years of experience in academic program administration, implementation, and support.
Experience in planning and executing Budgeting, and Cost Management
Experience in defining training requirements and providing operational management.
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.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.