Position Function:
This 90% Extension, 10% College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) position is administratively and programmatically responsible to the Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition & Health Promotion. The major thrust of this position is on providing applied research and public outreach in health education.
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:
Biochemistry, Nutrition & Health Promotion
The Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition & Health Promotion (BNHP) has academic, research, and extension education missions within the traditions of land-grant universities. The Department has roughly 30 faculty in biochemistry, nutrition/dietetics, food science, and health promotion disciplines. The Department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees and currently advises approximately 450 undergraduate and 30 graduate students.
Area of Specialization:
Social and behavioral sciences, environmental health sciences
Anticipated Appointment Date:
April 1, 2025.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate responsibilities include:
• Planning, directing, and coordinating Extension Health programs across the state, as well as providing leadership and in-service training to MSU Extension Health personnel and agents.
• Ensure program quality and collaborate with Extension staff, partner organizations (Dept. of Health, Dept. of Human Services, etc.), and community stakeholders, and provide technical assistance and evaluation to establish and maintain program fidelity.
• Strategically and collaboratively design, develop, and implement policy initiatives that address health equity and the reduction of health disparities in Mississippi.
• Manage strategic relationships for Extension Health programs, cultivate and maintain relationships with community partners, leaders, and community members, and provide subject matter expertise related to Extension public health programming (i.e., mental health, diabetes, etc.)
• Provide leadership and supervision for MSU Extension Health personnel and provide evidence-based support for County Extension Agents and programs used to deliver population-based chronic disease prevention programs.
• Secure external funding and serve as the PI or co-PI on awards to support Extension community outreach initiatives.
• Oversee and provide evaluation guidance, technical assistance, and evaluation support for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of Extension Health programming and performance measures.
• Collaborate with departmental faculty, other State Specialists, and County Agents on interdisciplinary programming and publications in peer-reviewed outlets, Extension publications, web-based media, and popular press.
• Supervise graduate students, participate in departmental committees, teach the course “Intro to Health Professions” as part of the Rural Medical & Science Scholars program (currently offered in the summer), or other courses as assigned.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Department Head.
Minimum Qualifications:
Candidates should have a Ph.D. degree in public health, health promotion, epidemiology, or biosciences, M.D., or an equivalent degree. Experience in proposal writing and publications in refereed journals and Extension/outreach articles, presentations, etc. Ability to work collaboratively, strong communication skills with the ability to convey technical information to a non-technical audience orally and in writing, and a commitment to fostering a diverse, collaborative, and collegial work environment, and to work effectively with others as a team member.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
Major success in obtaining competitive grants and strong publication records is needed for the rank of associate and full professor. Experience working in mental health first aid, community counseling, and rural health. Evidence of national reputation and leadership in Extension and outreach in areas related to the focus of the position are also required for the rank of associate and full professor.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The appointee will have the ability to utilize and develop innovative delivery methods, and will be involved in planning, engaging with partners/audience, implementation, and the evaluation of the outcome and impact of the developed programs. In addition to developing face-to-face educational programs, the individual will need to utilize mass media, web-based platforms, and social networking media in the delivery of educational materials to the individual and families for the prevention of health issues/diseases.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Open until filled with review of applicants beginning December 1, 2024
All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu and complete the Personal Data Information Form. Candidates should submit additional required items by online attachments or other means. These items include, but are not limited to:
1) A letter of application
2) Personal statement of extension research and outreach philosophy.
3) Curriculum Vitae - including details on: education, experience, research publications, Names and contact information (i.e., addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers) of three references.
4) College and University transcripts (SSN redacted prior to submission)
5) Personal statement of philosophy for implementing a program to prevent and remediate health issues affecting Mississippi residents, including those from rural and agrarian backgrounds (i.e., mental health, diabetes, etc.).
Mail additional items to:
Biochemistry, Nutrition & Health Promotion
Attn: Dr. Daniel G. Peterson
Box 9805
Mississippi State, MS 39762
E-mail: dp127@msstate.edu
Phone: 662-325-2747
Screening Date:
December 1, 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.
