Position Function:
A Research Associate (RA) is being sought starting in June 2023 in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology at MS State. The position is initially for one year, with the potential to extend to two or more years based on performance, funding, and need. The laboratory, in collaboration with a group at the Institute for Genomics, Genetics, and Bioinformatics, focuses on understanding plant immunity with a focus on the redox-mediated regulation of transcriptional programs and protein signaling networks. The RA will be responsible for conducting research on components of immune redox pathways, investigate structure-function relationship for thimet oligopeptidases and analyze their redox regulation and biochemical properties as they relate to plant immunity. The RA will also be responsible for conducting high-throughput plant immunity omics studies (phenomics, metagenomics, proteomics and transcriptomics) in multiple plant systems. The RA is expected to supervise students participating in the project.
Salary Grade: 13
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 Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology pursues an academic research and service mission within the traditions of Land-Grant Universities. The Department offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and currently advises approximately 500 undergraduate and 50 graduate students.
Area of Specialization:
Redox processes in plant-biotic interactions
Anticipated Appointment Date:
June 2023.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Carry out lab work focusing on technical aspects of specific research projects.
• Operate a variety of laboratory equipment including autoclaves, centrifuges, homogenizers,
thermal cyclers including a real-time PCR thermal cycler, spectrophotometers, imaging
systems, HPLC systems.
• Recording, tabulating, and maintaining data, methods, and procedures used in data
collection and analysis.
• Assists with report preparation, research presentation and manuscript preparation.
Minimum Qualifications:
M.S. in plant biochemistry, molecular biology, plant pathology.
Proven ability to work independently within a research lab.
Demonstrated ability in protein biochemistry lab techniques and high-throughput genomics assays.
At least one year of student mentoring and supervisory experience.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Expertise with classical molecular techniques such as plasmid construction, DNA/RNA and
protein extractions, PCR and real-time PCR, molecular cloning and sample collection and
archiving,
• Experience with protein purification, HPLC, 2D PAGE, fluorescence spectrometry,
immunoblotting, enzymatic assays, and kinetic analyses.
• Experience with imaging systems including electron microscopy and confocal microscopy.
• Capacity to use bioinformatics tools to analyze high-throughput data, basic bioinformatics
skills.
• Previous experience with analyzing peptidases and proteases is a plus.
• The ability to work well in a multi-disciplinary team is required.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The position requires occasional low-intensity physical effort.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be submitted through the Human Resources
Management website at https://www.jobs.msstate.edu by completing the professional
application and submitting a cover letter, resume, three references, and current dated unofficial transcript.
Any social numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
An official transcript will be required if selected for an interview.
For additional questions, please contact Swayze Hollenhead at sh1270@msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
June 14, 2023 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 (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.
