Position Function:
This externally funded position, with continuation contingent upon availability of funding, is through the Mississippi State University QuEST Laboratory (in collaboration with the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Unit). The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Garrett M. Street (Mississippi State University) and collaborate with Dr. Elizabeth M. Walsh (USDA-ARS). The successful candidate will work closely with co-investigators across both institutions as well as the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program and Geosystems Research Institute (GRI) at MSU to carry out the project.
Salary Grade: 11
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Mississippi State University is a top-ranked research institution and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) has a strong applied focus in wildlife conservation and management. The department is well-known for its highly collegial and interdisciplinary faculty, post-doctoral fellows, research and extension associates. Our 300 undergraduate students concentrate in wildlife agriculture science, human-wildlife interactions, conservation biology, wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation law enforcement, and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science. The department also houses 60 graduate students across a variety of programs. For additional information see extension.msstate.edu/natural-resources/wildlife and www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife
Area of Specialization:
Honey bee health, movement, and space use
Anticipated Appointment Date:
May 16, 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Specifically, the successful candidate for this position will collaborate with researchers at MSU and the USDA-ARS to collect primary data on honey bee colony health, inter-colony movements, and space use during foraging using (1) traditional apicultural techniques and bee counting software, (2) video-based identification of colony membership, and (3) radar-based tracking of individual bee movement. The candidate will also be expected to contribute to at least 2 peer-reviewed publications from this work, meaningfully contribute to additional peer-reviewed publications, and present findings in at least 2 regional or national scientific conferences.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: H.S. Diploma or GED.
Experience: Four year's relevant to duties described.
Substitution: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
Licensure: Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, with particular weight given to applicants with degrees in: wildlife ecology, entomology, biology, ecology, biomathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, quantitative ecology, or other related fields.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The candidate must also have excellent oral and written communication skills, and be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a trans-disciplinary team. An ideal candidate has several combinations of — and a preferred candidate has some experience with at least one of — the following skills: a solid formation in mathematical biology, computer programming, and/or spatial ecology, experience in using remote-sensing devices, AI/ML procedures, and beekeeping or scientific work experience with Apis mellifera. We anticipate that training on the job will be needed for many of these skills and we require candidates to be motivated to learn skills they do not already have.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The position will be based out of the QuEST Lab in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, and will spend field seasons in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This position may require/allow some travel to stakeholder meetings and to present research findings at regional and/or national conferences (approximately 2-4 overnight trips during the year). Field seasons will be held each summer (May-September) at the Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Unit in Baton Rouge, LA, during which time the applicant will meet remotely with supervisors as determined necessary for project updates.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must include: 1) cover letter, 2) resume or Curriculum Vitae, 3) one-page statement of interest and expertise, 4) contact information for three references, and 5) academic transcripts (if applicable) with social security numbers redacted. Applicants must complete an application through the MSU HRM website. Apply via https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/cw/en-us/listing/507618 and submit resume and cover letter.
Screening Date:
May 6, 2024, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
