POSITION OVERVIEW
This document describes the duties and expectations of a Visiting Assistant Professor for Maritimedigitization. This position is a one-year temporary appointment. The position begins in August of 2025 and continues through the fall and spring semesters until May of 2026.
TEACHING
The primary responsibility will be to teach a full-time course load (12 units, comprising 4–6 sections each semester) in maritime digitization and related subjects. Additionally, the role includes supporting the Academy’s digitization initiatives, such as the use of the lifeboat simulator and the application of digital twin technology. Courses are likely to include some of the following depending on applicants’ experience and the department’s needs, simulator-based courses such introduction to Nautical Science lab (NS101 lab) , Electronic Navigation Lab (NS293) and Maintenance. Teaching responsibilities include time spent in theclassroom, laboratory, and in immediate preparation for these; maintaining and improving competence insubjects being taught; preparing contemporary teaching materials; conferring with students on coursematerials; directing individual and group studies and practica; reviewing written examinations and papers; evaluating presentations; supervising independent study projects and assigning grades according to existingAcademy policy.
OTHER ASPECTS OF FACULTY PERFORMANCE
Collegiality, as well as professional and ethical conduct, enhances teaching, learning and the general reputation of all persons in the academy. Therefore, all faculty members are expected to serve in a collegial fashion and in accordance with professional and ethical principles when dealing with other faculty members, students, administrators, and members of the public.
DUTIES
Teach at the undergraduate level in areas allocated by the Department Head or Dean.
Contribute to the development, planning and implementation of a high-quality curriculum.
Assist in the development of learning materials, preparing lesson plans, and maintaining records to monitor student progress, achievement, and attendance.
Participate in departmental and faculty seminars aimed at building interdisciplinary collaboration within and outside your department.
Provide advice and support to students.
Inform students of their progress by promptly returning assignments, quizzes, papers, and exams.
Hold at least 4 office hours per week.
Participate in the administration of the department’s programs and other activities as requested.
Contribute to departmental, faculty, or Academy-wide working groups or committees as requested.
Maintain an awareness and observation of fire and health and safety regulations.
All academic faculty are expected to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to academic excellence at the highest level.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Teaching and other forms of public presentation• Ability to supervise academic work by undergraduate students• Ability to manage time and work to strict deadlines
Ability to write clearly and tailor communication style to meet the needs of the recipient
Ability to work collaboratively
Ability to share in organization and management of various Academy programs.
Ability to foster a positive learning environment.
Commitment to continuous professional development.
Commitment to MMA’s policy of equal opportunity and the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students of all genders, cultures and backgrounds.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational and written and oral communication skills.
Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
High degree of professionalism.
Demonstrated integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and conditions.
Ability to learn and teach courses within the Department even if with limited background in that field.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field.
A valid USCG license with applicable STCW endorsements. Acceptable licenses include: Third Mate Unlimited Oceans with 1600-ton Master or Chief Mate Unlimited Oceans or Master Unlimited Oceans
Unlimited Tonnage Oceans License.
Experience with small vessel operations (outboard craft, launches, fast rescue boat, etc.)
Lifeboatman certificate and other appropriate STCW credentials.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Unlimited Master or Chief Mate with command experience on commercial vessels.
Master’s degree, or other advanced degree, in a relevant field.
Experience teaching nautical skills in a higher-education setting.
Familiarity with electronic and digital advancements in maritime operations.
Experience with curriculum development.
Experience in command.
Experience instructing lifeboatman skills.
PHYSICAL and ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Typical classroom and office environment are in multi-story buildings with elevator access.
Work in the labs and training cruises may require climbing on ladders and gangways, lifting and carrying materials, occasional work in uncomfortable heat, cold, damp or dry atmospheric conditions.
Those required to participate on the training cruise must be capable of the following:
Living and working in cramped spaces on a rolling vessel and maintaining balance on a moving deck
Rapidly donning an exposure suit and other lifesaving gear
Opening and closing watertight doors
Occasionally lifting and moving up to 50 pounds
Climbing steep stairs or vertical ladders without assistance
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Background check is required
Must present original copies of transcripts
Tobacco-free campus
A pre-employment drug test, and participation in the random drug testing program, is required
Visit jobs.mma.edu for instructions