Professor of Marine Science

Discipline of Marine Studies – Laucala Campus

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The University of the South Pacific is one of two regional universities in the world and is the leading tertiary education provider and research facility in the South Pacific. We are supported by 12 Pacific Island Countries; Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Professor of Marine Science (LMS005) School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Oceans & Natural Sciences (SAGEONS) Discipline of Marine Studies – Laucala Campus 

The Opportunity

The University of the South Pacific seeks to fill the position of Professor of Marine Science in the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS). 

The appointee is expected to have made a sustained and excellent contribution at the international level to academic research, tertiary teaching, and leadership in the areas of marine science; demonstrated sustained distinction in interdisciplinary contributions to champion academic standards and freedom; demonstrate excellent communication skills; the ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff; and sound understanding and experience of the Pacific Islands marine studies related training and research. 

The appointee will take a leadership role in further strengthening the core offerings in the Discipline of Marine Studies, and to explore avenues for accreditation of Marine Studies courses and programs. The incumbent will also lead the design and development of the curriculum; teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses both on-campus and through the flexible modes of delivery; conduct and lead research in the areas of marine science; and contribute to the University’s research mandate. The incumbent should have a demonstrated international academic excellence, and outstanding contribution to teaching, research, and scholarship. He/she is a leader in the area, has initiated research and case studies in marine science, and has published findings in high ranked international journals. 

1. A Professor is expected to have made a sustained and excellent contribution at international level to academic research and leadership within the relevant discipline.
2. Academics at this level are expected to have demonstrated sustained distinction in their interdisciplinary contributions.
3. A Professor is expected to champion academic standards and freedom.
4. A Professor is expected to demonstrate excellent communication skills, and the ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff. 

Specific duties of a Professor may include:

1. the conduct of tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations, workshops, student field excursions, clinical sessions, and studio sessions,
2. involvement in professional activities like the initiation and development of subject or course material; the preparation and delivery of lectures and seminars; marking and assessment; subject or course coordination,
3. academic counselling and consultation with students,
4. conduct of individual and/or collaborative research; and strengthening of one’s publication record in international refereed journals,
5. supervision of the programme of study of postgraduate students engaged in course work,
6. supervision of major postgraduate research projects,
7. a significant leadership role in promoting and developing new research projects,
8. a significant leadership role in promoting and attracting paid outside work,
9. provision of a continuing high level of personal commitment to, and achievement in, a particular scholarly area,
10. encouraging and fostering the research of other groups and individuals within the discipline and within related disciplines,
11. development of research policy,
12. making a distinguished personal contribution to teaching at all levels,
13. having an active role in the maintenance of academic standards and in the development of educational policy and curriculum areas within the discipline, and
14. play a significant role in the development of policy and being involved in administrative matters within the discipline and within the University. 

The Person We Seek

To be considered for Professorial level: Applicants must have.

1. A PhD in Marine Science or cognate discipline, and be a leading, international authority in this area.
2. Demonstrated sustained leadership in tertiary teaching, including research-informed teaching, curriculum development and the enhancement of teaching quality, and demonstrated commitment to promoting and advancing the principles of equity, inclusion and diversity.
3. An outstanding track record in research, with outcomes of high quality and impact (including peer-reviewed publications, e.g. journal articles, book chapters, monographs), evidence of attracting external funding and/or of principal investigation in international research projects, and proven experience in successfully recruiting and supervising research students to completion.
4. Research publications in ranked journals with excellent Quality of Research (QoR) at Professor level.
5. Relevant tertiary teaching experience (10 years) at undergraduate and postgraduate.
6. Have a proven strong track record of successful supervision of postgraduate research students.
7. A conspicuous scholar in the international community in marine science. 

Professor should:

• Demonstrate excellence in teaching in a multicultural environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experienced with distance and flexible learning.

The position is available for a term of 5 years and may be renewed by mutual agreement, subject to successful performance outcomes.

Enquiries: Professor Surendra Prasad – Head of School, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS); Tel: (679) 323-2416.; email: surendra.prasad@usp.ac.fj

Closing date for applications: 26 March 2023

How to Apply 

Click the Apply button to apply for this position online. 

The advertisement criteria is available on our University website, by clicking the 'Apply' button.

Please include the following documents in your application: Certified Academic Credentials/Transcripts, Cover letter clearly addressing key Selection Criteria and Resume with names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor. Referees will only be contacted if you are selected. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

USP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. USP encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.

USP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. USP encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.