Welcome to the Coastal Ecology and Seagrass Biology Lab! We are part of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering and Division of Coastal Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi and are located at the Gulf Coastal Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS. 

Research in the Coastal Ecology and Seagrass Biology Lab focuses on:

1) The role of seagrass and other coastal plants as habitat and food for nearshore animals

2) Seagrass reproductive ecology, including controls on reproductive timing and output, seed dispersal and seedling recruitment, and

3) Patterns and drivers of seagrass distribution and condition

We use a combination of laboratory and field experiments and surveys to address hypothesis-driven questions related to coastal and benthic processes. Our work is relevant to coastal management, conservation and restoration and we regularly partner with end-users of the data, such as natural resource managers, to ensure our results are usable and have real-world impact.

We’re Hiring!

postdoctoral researcher in seagrass reproductive ecology

We are hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher for a project examining seagrass reproductive ecology and physiology to support management and restoration in the Florida Panhandle and at the Chandeleur Islands, LA. Applicants should have experience and interest in seagrass biology and ecology, experience working on small vessels and in shallow coastal ecosystems, strong writing and presentation skills, and interest in working collaboratively with natural resource managers.

The postdoctoral researcher will be supervised by Dr. Kelly Darnell and based at GCRL in Ocean Springs, MS. GCRL was established in 1948 and is one of the oldest and largest marine labs in the Gulf with 200+ faculty, staff, and students and state-of-the-art research facilities that support USM’s designation as an R1 University. Ocean Springs is a charming coastal town known for its vibrant art community, restaurants, beaches, and quaint downtown.  

This is a 12-month appointment starting in Summer or Fall 2025 and renewable through 2027, with a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional development and participation in regional and national conferences.  

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to Kelly Darnell (Kelly.Darnell@usm.edu).