Working at LIU Southampton, your next career step!

Overview of Long Island University, Southampton College

Long Island University, Southampton College (LIU Southampton) was a distinctive campus of Long Island University located in Southampton, New York. Established in 1963 as an independent liberal arts college, it was acquired by LIU in 2006, bringing its renowned programs in marine science and environmental studies under the LIU umbrella. Situated on a 106-acre campus overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the college offered a unique blend of rigorous academics and coastal living, attracting students and faculty passionate about oceanography, ecology, and sustainability. Although the undergraduate programs ceased operations in 2021 due to financial challenges, the legacy of LIU Southampton continues to influence higher education in the region, with the campus now operating as Stony Brook Southampton. Jobs at Long Island University, Southampton College historically encompassed faculty positions, research roles, and administrative opportunities focused on its specialized programs.

The campus's location in Southampton, a affluent Hamptons village, provided an inspiring environment for academic pursuits, particularly in fields like marine biology and environmental policy. Professionals seeking jobs at Long Island University, Southampton College were drawn to its commitment to experiential learning, including hands-on research at the town's marine lab and partnerships with local conservation groups. While current openings are limited due to the closure, understanding the types of positions once available offers valuable insights for careers in similar coastal higher education institutions.

🎓 Academic Programs and Departments

LIU Southampton was particularly celebrated for its School of the Environment, which housed programs in marine science (B.S., M.S.), environmental studies, and ocean studies. Other key departments included humanities, social sciences, business, and visual and performing arts. Faculty jobs at Long Island University, Southampton College often required expertise in these areas, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research combining science with policy and arts. For example, marine science faculty led field studies on Shinnecock Bay, contributing to publications in journals like Marine Ecology Progress Series.

Typical job categories included tenure-track professor positions in biology and environmental science, adjunct instructor roles for part-time teaching, and research associate jobs focused on coastal ecology projects. Administrative roles such as academic deans and program coordinators supported these initiatives. To learn more about types of positions available across universities, visit our university job types page.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Experience, and Skills

Jobs at Long Island University, Southampton College demanded rigorous qualifications tailored to higher education standards. For faculty positions like assistant professor in marine science, a PhD in a relevant field such as oceanography, biology, or environmental science was essential. Research focus often centered on coastal ecosystems, climate change impacts on Long Island Sound, and sustainable fisheries management.

Preferred experience included peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ papers in top journals), grant funding from agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF), and teaching experience at the undergraduate level. Skills and competencies encompassed:

• Proficiency in field research methods, including SCUBA diving certification for marine roles.
• Data analysis using tools like R or GIS software for environmental modeling.
• Grant writing and project management for securing funding.
• Teaching excellence, with experience in lab-based courses and student mentoring.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration, such as partnering with local NGOs on conservation projects.

Administrative jobs required a master's degree minimum, with PhDs preferred for senior roles, plus experience in accreditation processes like those from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Definitions

To aid understanding of jobs at Long Island University, Southampton College, here are key terms defined:

• Tenure-track position: A faculty job leading to permanent employment after a probationary period, typically 5-7 years, involving research, teaching, and service.
• Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, often without benefits, ideal for professionals balancing multiple roles.
• Postdoctoral researcher (postdoc): Temporary position (1-3 years) for recent PhD graduates to conduct advanced research and publish.
• Grant funding: Financial support from government or private sources for specific projects, crucial for research-intensive roles.
• Middle States accreditation: Regional recognition ensuring quality standards for U.S. higher education institutions.

Application Process and Tips

Applying for jobs at Long Island University, Southampton College followed standard academic hiring protocols. The process typically involved:

1. Submitting a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, research statement, and three letters of recommendation via the LIU careers portal or Interfolio.
2. Initial screening by search committee, focusing on fit with department needs.
3. Phone or Zoom interviews, followed by campus visits with research seminars and teaching demos.
4. Final offers contingent on references and background checks.

Actionable tips for success:

• Tailor your cover letter template to highlight coastal research experience, referencing specific LIU Southampton projects like the Marine Science Center.
• Prepare a winning academic CV with quantifiable impacts, e.g., 'Secured $200K NSF grant for bay restoration study'.
• Network at conferences like the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography.
• Emphasize teaching philosophy suited to small class sizes (average 15 students).
• Follow up politely post-interview.

For lecturer roles, check resources on how to become a university lecturer.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

LIU Southampton prioritized diversity through initiatives like the Diversity Fellows Program, supporting underrepresented faculty in STEM fields. The college hosted annual Equity and Inclusion Summits and partnered with the Long Island Coalition for Diversity in Science. Specific examples included scholarships for minority students in marine science and faculty hires from HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). LIU's broader commitment included Title IX compliance and affinity groups for women in science and LGBTQ+ faculty. These efforts fostered an inclusive environment, with diversity training mandatory for all staff.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Campus life at LIU Southampton offered exceptional work-life balance, with its scenic oceanfront location promoting wellness. Faculty enjoyed flexible schedules, sabbaticals every 7 years, and access to facilities like the fitness center, sailing club, and beaches. Southampton's proximity to New York City (2 hours by train) allowed cultural escapes, while the low-key Hamptons vibe supported family life. Salaries for assistant professors averaged $80K-$100K, with benefits including health insurance, retirement matching, and tuition remission. Research assistants appreciated collaborative labs and funding for conferences. Though closed, the campus's emphasis on community events like beach cleanups exemplified a supportive culture.

Current Status and Opportunities

Following the 2021 closure of undergraduate programs, job opportunities at LIU Southampton shifted. Prospective candidates should explore positions at the main LIU campuses or Stony Brook Southampton. Historical data shows strong demand for research jobs in environmental fields. For branding strategies to attract talent, see employer branding secrets. Postdocs can thrive with advice from postdoctoral success guides.

Summary

Jobs at Long Island University, Southampton College offered unique prospects in marine and environmental higher education. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com for similar opportunities in New York.