Professor of Practice in Polymer Science and Engineering

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Job description

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Professor of Practice in Polymer Science and Engineering.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States

Division School of Polymer Science and Engineering

Position Type Faculty

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade Generic Grade

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Job Summary
The School of Polymer Science and Engineering (SPSE) at The University of Southern Mississippi invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure-track Professor of Practice position beginning August 2027. We seek candidates with strong technical expertise and professional experience in polymer science and engineering who will contribute to the School’s teaching, experiential learning, student mentoring, and industry engagement activities.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in polymer science and engineering, with opportunities to teach graduate courses, particularly emphasizing laboratory, design, and other applied aspects of the curriculum. In this role, the successful candidate will draw on professional practice and applied experience to strengthen classroom and elevate experiential learning, while supporting student professional development and engagement with industry and other external partners.

Opportunities also exist to engage in and support the broader research enterprise of the School, including participation in externally funded projects, applied research, workforce development, and industry-sponsored activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Teach undergraduate and as appropriate, graduate courses in polymer science and engineering.
  2. Develop and deliver laboratory, prototyping, design-based, and other experiential learning activities.
  3. Advise and mentor students through capstone design, applied projects, and other project-based educational experiences.
  4. Mentor undergraduate students in academic, professional, and career development.
  5. Collaborate with faculty and staff on curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, workforce development, outreach, and industry engagement.
  6. Build and strengthen relationships with industry and government partners in support of education, experiential learning, workforce development, and collaborative activities.
  7. Contribute to grant writing, proposal development, and externally funded projects, particularly those involving applied research, workforce development, or industry partnerships.
  8. Contribute to the mission of the School, College, University, and broader professional community through service.
  9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Earned Ph. D. in polymer science and engineering or a closely related discipline.
Professional experience in industry, government, applied research, or a closely related setting relevant to polymer science and engineering.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to work effectively, collaboratively, and collegially with students, staff, faculty, and external partners.
  • Ability to apply polymer science and engineering fundamentals to practical problems and applications.
  • Knowledge of common polymer characterization, processing, testing, and laboratory methods.
  • Ability to translate professional practice and applied technical experience into effective classroom, laboratory, and project-based instruction.
  • Ability to contribute to curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
Three or more years of professional experience in industry, government, applied research, manufacturing, or a related setting relevant to polymer science and engineering.
Prior teaching, training, or student mentorship experience in higher education, industry, or another professional setting.
Demonstrated ability to integrate professional or industry practice into teaching, experiential learning, and student mentorship.
Experience with polymer processing, manufacturing, product development, scale-up, testing, or characterization.
Experience advising design projects or multidisciplinary design-build-test activities.
Familiarity with ABET accreditation and outcomes-based assessment.
Experience contributing to externally funded, industry-sponsored, workforce development, or applied research activities.
Demonstrated ability to develop productive relationships with industry or government partners.

About the School
The School of Polymer Science and Engineering (SPSE) is one of the nation’s few academic units devoted entirely to polymer science and engineering. SPSE comprises 13 faculty members, including multiple early-career awardees. Research in the School spans polymer composites and materials for extreme environments, including fire-retardant and carbon-carbon systems; biomaterials and polymers for human health, including tissue repair, regeneration, and therapeutic delivery; materials for energy and sustainability; optoelectronic materials; and advanced coatings. SPSE maintains a robust, well-funded research portfolio supported by federal agencies, industry, and private foundations. The Thames Polymer Science Research Center provides state-of-the-art facilities for polymer research, including NMR (400/600 MHz), TEM, SAXS/WAXS, XPS/UPS, polymer processing (extrusion/injection molding), composite fabrication, and advanced thermal, rheological, and mechanical characterization tools.

SPSE sustains one of the largest polymer-focused graduate programs in the country alongside a growing ABET-accredited undergraduate program, and offers B.S., M.S., and Ph. D. degrees in polymer science and engineering. For more information about SPSE, visit usm.edu/polymer-science-engineering.

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.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online at https://usm.csod.com. A complete application will include:
Cover letter Curriculum vitae Brief statement of teaching philosophy that includes interest in specific courses in the polymer science and engineering undergraduate and graduate curricula and discusses approaches to laboratory, design, experiential learning, and integration of professional practice into the curriculum.
Name and contact information for at least three references (letters will be requested following initial review).

Review of applications will begin November 20, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority.

For inquiries, contact Dr. Derek Patton, Director, School of Polymer Science and Engineering at [email protected].

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. In just 100 years, we’ve grown from a small teachers’ college into a premier research university that is a haven for the arts with a tradition of success in both academics and athletics. Southern Miss has a diverse student body of approximately 17,000 students from 56 different countries, all 50 states and every corner of Mississippi. We offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in six degree-granting colleges with more than 180 degree programs. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to six teaching and research sites in Mississippi.