University of Southern Mississippi

Associate or Full Professor and Associate Director for Research

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Associate or Full Professor and Associate Director for Research.

Position DetailsLocation Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States DivisionGeneric DivisionPosition TypeAdministrative FacultyEmployment StatusFull TimeGrant FundedNo Pay GradeGeneric Grade

Posting Close Date1/31/2025

Job Summary 

The Gulf South Center for Community-Engaged Health Research and Innovation is seeking a full-time Associate Director for Research. The position will work directly with the Center Director to achieve the overall objective of the Center to conduct health disparities research using a trans-disciplinary team of scientists and practice stakeholders to transform clinic and community observations into real-world interventions in Mississippi. The Associate Director will support the generation of new knowledge and research initiatives to reduce disparities, prevent disease, and promote healthy aging among Mississippians and Gulf South populations. The position is a tenure-track faculty position at the Associate Professor or Professor level with an administrative appointment. The position may require teaching up to two doctoral courses per year with the remainder of time dedicated to Center research and service activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Lead externally funded research projects, proposals, and activities with Center Director, Associate Directors and Affiliate Faculty, including on-time major tasks, deliverables and technical/financial reporting, independent execution of research products, and dissemination of research outcomes at conferences, seminars, symposia, and community outreach events
2. Promote health equity through collaborative research, education, mentorship and/or training opportunities in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, social science and health policy disciplines addressing racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, sexual gender minorities (SGM), and other disparities in health and healthcare.
3. Supports Center Director and Associate Directors in the administrative and operational functions of the Center, including but not limited to staff and student oversight, budget development and management, coordination of Directorate meetings, Center representation in school, college, and/or university meetings/committees, and strategic planning and fundraising initiatives.
4. Provides input on over-arching scientific objectives for the Center, and directs the development and implementation of strategic, comprehensive, integrated communications and development plans.
5. Collaborate with and seeks support of representatives from external organizations and integrates key community engagement infrastructure and stakeholders into the Center’s research portfolio.
6. Contribute to the daily operations and the growth of the Center’s research portfolio, performs as Acting Director during the Director's absence, authorizing decisions in areas designated by the Director, and performs other duties as assigned.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

Candidate must have a PhD degree in the nursing and/or health professions disciplines, and at least five years of an established strong record of extramural funding, collaborative research, and/or publication of their work in recognized journals. Must be familiar with institutional review board and/or federal human subjects/clinical trial reporting processes and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and meeting software.
• Ability to travel or complete overnight stays for research dissemination, meeting, and outreach.
• Must be familiar with federal grant application and reporting system requirements (i.e., ASSIST, ClinicalTrials.gov) and guidelines (i.e., SF424) for human subjects research.
• Must be able to prepare Institutional Review Board applications and required documents.

Preferred Qualifications 

A record of federal funding (NIH, CDC, PCORI, etc.) and other foundational funding sources is highly desirable.

A record of outstanding personal academic accomplishments and credentials within the space of health disparities and health disparities & health equity research as well as the experience and reputation necessary to ensure the enhancement of the research, and educational missions of the Center.

Experience in an academic leadership position and mentoring junior faculty while identifying and recruiting students, trainees, staff, and faculty.

Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collegial relationships with peers, faculty, departmental staff, students, other learners, and representatives of outside organizations and community stakeholders.

Demonstrated financial and business acumen, with appropriate knowledge of the complex financial pressures facing Carnegie R1 academic institutions

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.