Assistant or Associate Professor in Earth Sciences and Marine and Environmental Biology

The Departments of Marine and Environmental Biology and Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor or tenured Associate Professor position in the broad fields of computational ecology, oceanography, or Earth sciences whose research addresses fundamental questions related to the interactions between marine organisms and their environment. Potential areas of expertise include but are not limited to organismal behavior, population and/or community dynamics such as bio-physical or trophic interactions, biogeochemical cycling including the ocean carbon pump, and evolution. A successful candidate will leverage machine learning or AI-enabled observations and analysis to integrate diverse datasets (e.g. field surveys, video, telemetry, microscopy, imaging flow cytometry, satellites, autonomous platforms, remotely operated vehicles, or other ocean-observing systems) and/or models to generate new knowledge of how the physical and chemical environment shapes organisms and ecosystems, and how biological processes, in turn, influence biogeochemistry and the Earth system.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. (or equivalent) and demonstrated ability to conduct compelling independent research and are expected to establish an externally funded research program. The review of applications will begin on December 15, 2026. To apply, please submit a single pdf file containing a cover letter, curriculum vita, research vision (maximum 3 pages), teaching statement (maximum 2 pages), and contact information for three references. In order to be considered for this position, all candidates must apply via the "Apply" link at the top or bottom of this page.

The annual base salary range for this position is $115,000 - $155,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.