Position Function:
The incumbent is expected to collaborate with other faculty in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as appropriate, to develop an effective multidisciplinary research and Extension program that has a meaningful impact on row crop producers in Mississippi, the Midsouth, and Southeastern U.S. Numerous collaborative research opportunities exist with scientists at other Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) research locations throughout the state. The academic home for this position will be held in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.
Salary Grade: UC
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:
The Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center (CMREC) is one of four Research and Extension Centers in the MSU System and located in Raymond, MS. The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) - Brown Loam Branch Experiment Station is administratively associated with the CMREC and located just south of Raymond, MS. The Brown Loam Branch Experiment Station is a 1,700-acre research facility and historically focused on beef cattle research as well as crop research associated with cotton, corn, soybean and winter annuals.
Area of Specialization:
Row Crop Agronomy Research and Extension
Anticipated Appointment Date:
October 1, 2024.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Specifically, the successful candidate will:
1. Serve as a productive Research and Extension faculty member
• Participate in the Plant Systems Extension program planning team
• As a MAFES appointed faculty, you must submit a Current Research Information System (CRIS) project outlining your research effort within the first four months of employment.
• Secure extramural funding to support research and Extension programming in row crop agronomy
• Demonstrate scholarly activity via publication in appropriate academic journals
• Demonstrate a commitment to service through activities such as participation on department, college, and university committees and via service to appropriate professional associations
• Contribute to a collegial work environment and foster productive working relationships with scientists, Extension Agents, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders
• Build a nationally recognized Research and Extension program.
2. Provide leadership for a comprehensive row crop agronomy program serving industry in Central and Southwest Mississippi
• As an agronomy team member, provide row crop agronomy subject matter expertise and provide programmatic training for Extension Agents
• Develop program curriculum and serve as a resource person in all areas of row crop agronomy, emphasizing the needs of Central and Southwest Mississippi
• Perform other duties to support research and Extension programming as assigned
3. Provide leadership to row crop agronomy research and Extension programming in Central and Southwest Mississippi and serve as a resource to County Extension Agents.
• Develop a robust research program in row crop agronomy based on needs assessments and funding opportunities
• Provide strategic and operational oversight to staff on a research team
• Effectively manage agronomy unit resources at the Brown Loam Branch Experiment Station
• Productively contribute to the MAFES Official Variety Trials.
• Ensure that row crop agronomy education is appropriately represented in the statewide Extension Plan of Work. This includes timely needs-based program planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
• Develop and implement in-service training to Extension Agents on row crop educational programs
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other faculty in implementing row crop research and educational programs
The successful candidate with work closely with producers, clientele, stakeholders, other state Extension specialists, county Extension Agents, researchers, and other related parties to identify and assess row crop production issues and needs and to develop strategies to improve row crop production and other relevant issues as identified by stakeholders and clientele.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in Plant Science, Soil Science, or closely related discipline is required. The successful candidate will have a practical knowledge of agriculture, enabling him/her to work with public and private entities and agricultural producers in Mississippi to develop system solutions to practical agronomic crop production issues.
***Internal Recruitment Only***
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates with graduate research and Extension experience in row crop agronomy with a working knowledge of corn, soybean, peanut, and cotton production are preferred. Candidates with professional experience effectively managing a research team are preferred. Extension outreach experience is preferred. Experience with row crop farm management is desirable. Candidates with professional and academic experience in cotton physiology and agronomic practices are highly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal and written communication skills are required for the position. Organizational and leadership skills are also important.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
This job is an applied Research and Extension position. Willingness and ability to work in a farm environment is essential. Occasional travel including overnight stays can be expected.
Significant amount of physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to and often over 50 pounds. Physical work is more than 25% of the job. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants MUST apply online at explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, transcripts of all college and university work, and the names and complete contact information of three professional references.
Inquires can be emailed to Dr. Curt Lacy at curt.lacy@msstate.edu. For more information, contact Curt Lacy at 601-857-2284. A review of applications will begin August 19, 2024; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Please note that any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online and that official transcripts will be requested of finalists.
Screening Date:
August 19, 2024, until filled.
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.
