"Assistant Professor of Biological Oceanography"

Job Details

The Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences (DOCS) at Louisiana State University (LSU) is excited to announce a search for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Biological Oceanography.

About the Department: Established in 1860, LSU is Louisiana’s flagship land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution, as well as an R1 research university. The Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences (DOCS) has strong biological, physical, chemical, geological, fisheries, meteorology, and wetland biogeochemistry programs in continental shelf, coastal, estuarine, and wetland environments. Located in the state capital of Baton Rouge, on the banks of the Mississippi River, LSU is surrounded by diverse aquatic and coastal habitats. DOCS is housed within LSU’s nationally distinctive College of the Coast & Environment and is home to 27 full-time equivalent faculty members, 72 graduate students, and numerous research associates, postdoctoral scientists, and support staff. The department offers MS and PhD degrees in Oceanography & Coastal Sciences, while contributing to BS degrees in Coastal Environmental Science and Coastal Meteorology. DOCS faculty enjoy access to well-equipped research laboratories, substantial supercomputing resources, field support services, and a shared marine lab at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) in Cocodrie, La. LUMCON is located 100 miles from LSU, with access to surrounding coastal environments supported by facilities including boats, field stations, laboratory space, and dormitories.

Job Posting Title: Assistant Professor of Biological Oceanography

The Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences (DOCS) at Louisiana State University (LSU) seeks a scholar in marine science, pursuing research in plankton ecology. Areas of specialization are open, but preference will be given to candidates whose research focus emphasizes the role of indicator species in detecting environmental change, the ecological relationships between zooplankton and fisheries species, and/or next-generation technology such as molecular techniques, automated image analysis, and acoustic techniques.

Job Responsibilities:

• 50% - Teach graduate and undergraduate courses; advise students; serve on student thesis committees.
• 40% - Develop and maintain a rigorous, externally funded and independent research program; mentor graduate students and postdocs; publish journal articles, reports, books, conference proceedings etc.
• 10% - Provide service/advice to the University, professional organizations, and local, state and federal agencies.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Marine Sciences, Oceanography, Earth Sciences or closely related field.

Specific Experience:

Post-doctoral research experience. Potential to secure external research funding. Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration. Experience teaching college-level science course as a teaching assistant or instructor of record. Demonstrated record of publishing peer-reviewed research.

Competencies:

• Proficient - Demonstrate potential to sustain an active research program.
• Proficient - Strong publication record, commensurate with experience.
• Proficient - Ability to provide quality mentoring and teaching to undergraduate and graduate students.

Special Instructions:

Please submit the following requested documents with your application: cover letter highlighting your motivation for applying to this position (two page maximum); research statement that describes the focus and impact of your current and planned future research (three-page maximum); a statement of your teaching and student mentoring philosophies (three-page maximum); curriculum vitae and contact information for three references. A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available), but official transcripts are required prior to hire. If your degree was earned outside the US, a credential evaluation will be required. This position will be open until filled; however, initial review of applications will begin on February 28, 2026. For informal inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Cassandra Glaspie, Search Committee Chair (cglaspie@lsu.edu), office phone 225-578-0379.

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!