Position Function:
Plans, manages, implements, and promotes applied research projects related to the employment of people who are blind or have low vision. Collaborates with other research team members to accomplish project goals. Participates in the preparation and writing of grant/contract applications and reports. Disseminates research findings via authoring peer-reviewed manuscripts and presenting at national conferences. May supervise research support staff.
Salary Grade: 15
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Department Profile:
https://blind.msstate.edu
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Develops and/or manages existing research projects and serves as a principal investigator
or co-principal investigator
2. Collects data or manages the collection of data via an online survey tool, interview, or
observation
3. Manages, organizes, analyzes, and interprets data to derive study conclusions
4. Researches and stays current with project-related literature
5. Summarizes results of studies in the form of peer-reviewed manuscripts
6. Attends national conferences and presents results of research studies
7. Assists with grant/contract preparation by reviewing scientific literature, planning research
projects, and writing proposals
8. Develops relevant products or tools related to research study results for use by
professionals in the field of blindness/low vision
Minimum Qualifications:
For Research Scientist I, Ph.D. Experience generally within three years after receiving their Ph.D. and with limited scientific research experience.
For Research Scientist II, Ph.D. Experience three to seven years of relevant experience beyond the Ph.D. level and with very significant professional accomplishments.
For Research Scientist III, Ph.D. Experience more than seven years of relevant experience beyond the Ph.D. and with extremely significant professional accomplishments.
For Senior Research Scientist, Ph.D. Experience of Individuals well beyond the Ph.D. that have demonstrated outstanding sustained, and extraordinary professional accomplishments as well as professional leadership.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with or conducting research related to people with disabilities, particularly people who are blind or have low vision, is strongly preferred. Experience managing and analyzing large national datasets.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Quantitative statistical analysis skills
2. Ability to manage, analyze, and interpret data, and derive study conclusions
3. Ability to generate feasible ideas for federally-funded research related to the employment
of people who are blind or have low vision
4. Ability to advance state-of-the-art scientific research in the blindness/low vision or disability
field
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
6. Excellent presentation skills
7. Project management skills
8. Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SAS or SPSS
9. Ability to work independently and show initiative
10. Ability to balance quality and productivity
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• No unusual physical requirements. Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly
all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions
influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a
few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to the
position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or
stress on a regular basis.
Instructions for Applying:
Please apply for the position directly to the NRTC and through Mississippi State University’s job website. Email your letter of application, resume or curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for at least three references to nrtcjobs@colled.msstate.edu. Additionally, apply through the university’s job website at https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu, PARF Number 505002 (job title – Research Scientist I-II, or Senior). Contact Michele McDonnall (m.mcdonnall@msstate.edu) for more position information. For more information about our center, view the NRTC website at https://www.blind.msstate.edu.
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 (ADAAA), 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.
