Position Function:
The Plant Stress Physiology Lab at the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University, invites applications for a postdoctoral position from individuals demonstrating self-motivation and original thinking. The successful candidate will collaborate with a diverse team and apply advanced tools to monitor and analyze plant responses to stress stimuli. The candidate is expected to take the lead role in integrating classical stress physiology tools with remote sensing techniques to map genetic loci associated with stress tolerance in row crops. The responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments utilizing growth chambers, greenhouses, and field facilities. The candidate must have advanced high throughput phenotyping, genetic mapping, and sound statistical skills to analyze large datasets.
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:
Plant and Soil Sciences is a comprehensive department with 32 on – and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, extension and/or service programs, most of whom carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by 32 support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in agronomy, horticulture and environmental science in agricultural systems, and has approximately 116 undergraduate students in agronomy; 36 in horticulture; and 11 in environmental science in agricultural systems. The department offers master's and doctoral programs, with 57 students currently majoring in either agronomy, horticulture, or weed science. The teaching, research, extension and service programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment and trained personnel. The department holds two endowed chairs and faculty are nationally prominent, with 4 Fellows in national/international societies. Agronomic and horticultural industries are significant contributors to Mississippi’s agricultural economy (combined value of $8.75 billion with 13 million acres under management). The department is committed to enhancing its statewide, national and international reputation for excellence. More information about the department can be found at http://www.pss.msstate.edu/.
Area of Specialization:
stress physiology
Anticipated Appointment Date:
January 1, 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Design and conduct stress physiology experiments using various phenotyping facilities.
• The postdoc is expected to work in the growth chamber, greenhouse, and field conditions.
• Develop proxies for abiotic stress tolerance to meet research needs in collaboration with other scientists.
• Maintain smooth conduct of experiment(s) by troubleshooting and fostering a productive teamwork environment.
• Actively contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations, and the drafting of manuscripts for publication, as well as assisting other researchers.
• Participate in developing research proposals, including reviewing related literature.
• Present research results at scientific meetings and symposiums
• Take part in professional development events at Mississippi State University
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in plant/crop physiology, precision agronomy, genetics, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of stress physiology and proximal sensing is very desirable.
• Experience with the field, rainout shelters, and growth chambers work is beneficial.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with advanced statistical design and image analysis data processing, and interpretation is important.
Preferred Qualifications:
• A strong field crops research background and familiarity with remote sensing are preferred.
• Proven publication track record in stress physiology and high throughput phenotyping in row crops.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team or collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated leadership or interpersonal skills are essential.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Have a strong background in stress physiology, sensor-based phenotyping, and genetic mapping.
• Proven publication record and experience supervising or overseeing the research work.
• Ability to balance quality and productivity.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Exposure to heat and cold might be required.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Upload a cover letter, current resume, and list of three professional references.
Screening Date:
August 19, 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.
