Position Function:
The intermittent worker will support a research project aimed at understanding foliar-nutrient-related mechanisms influencing conelet abortion and survival in North American pine species. The role will involve quantitative analysis, mixed-effects modeling, and preparation of scientific manuscripts to support improved seed-orchard management and breeding recommendations.
Employees hired into Intermittent positions are limited to working no more than 720 hours per fiscal year.
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 Department of Forestry is one of three departments in the College of Forest Resources and the Forest and Wildlife Research Center at Mississippi State University. The faculty have diverse teaching, research, service, and outreach expertise in the disciplines of forest biology and watershed management; forest economics, management, and policy; and forest measurements, biometrics, and spatial technologies. The Department has two undergraduate degree programs, Forestry and Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation, each accredited by the Society of American Foresters with ~200 students in addition to ~40 graduate students in both on-campus and distance education programs. The University’s John W. Starr Memorial Forest (a +8,000-acre research and teaching forest), the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tombigbee National Forest are located in close proximity to the University and used for teaching, research, and Extension/outreach activities.
Mississippi State University is a Carnegie Very High Research Activity (R1) institution and a land grant university with a strong connection to the state-wide Extension Service. The University is in Starkville, a medium-size college town in northeast Mississippi (www.msstate.edu/web/about).
Anticipated Appointment Date:
December 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will assist the research team with the following tasks:
1. Quantitative Modeling & Statistical Analysis
o Use mixed-effects modeling, multivariate statistics, and related quantitative approaches to analyze conelet abortion and survival patterns.
o Evaluate foliar nutrient concentrations, physiological traits, and environmental variables to identify drivers of conelet abortion and survival.
2. Manuscript & Research Output Preparation
o Contribute to the preparation of a manuscript integrating key components of the project.
o Draft figures, tables, model summaries, and written sections as needed.
o Assist with literature synthesis and incorporation of peer-reviewed references.
3. General Research Support
o Maintain well-documented analytical workflows and reproducible code.
o Participate in periodic project meetings and provide progress updates.
o Perform other related duties as assigned to support the research objectives.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: High School Diploma.
Experience: Relevant experience related to the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.
Substitutions: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
Must have a valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, ecology, statistics, environmental science, or a related field.
• Graduate-level coursework or experience in mixed-effects modeling, multivariate statistics, or quantitative ecology.
• Demonstrated experience with statistical software (e.g., R).
• Strong quantitative skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage deadlines.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Experience with tree physiology, seed orchards, forest genetics, or plant reproductive biology.
• Familiarity with R packages commonly used in mixed-effects and multivariate analysis (e.g., lme4, glmmTMB, nlme, vegan, tidymodels).
• Experience preparing scientific manuscripts or reports.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
•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/
Please apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
December 15, 2025, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
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.
