Position Function:
Research Associate will support the invasive insect program by screening and sorting invasive insect trap samples, assist with and support national invasive insect pest survey programs. Speak to the public about invasive insect and conservation topics. Support stakeholders and collaborators who submit samples for identification. This position will require some administrative duties, such as supervising student workers, working with lab techs and other departmental researchers, and purchasing field and lab supplies, including report preparation, scientific writing for publications, basic research strategies for projects.
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 & Plant Pathology is a comprehensive department with academic, research, and service missions. The Department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and currently advises approximately 450 undergraduates and 60 graduate students. The undergraduate program in Biochemistry, which is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), has eleven different concentrations from which students may choose.
Area of Specialization:
Ant sampling and identification in an Entomological Museum setting
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 2023.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Conduct field, lab, or museum research projects focused on ants that occur in the southeastern United States.
• Sorts ant samples for target taxa, identify non-native species, and compile information into data sheets
• Prepares insect specimens for research/museum storage
• Maintains a high degree of organization as it pertains to categorizing specimens and inputting their data
• Work with large team of student workers and lab techs to expedite workflow of samples
• Speak to the public about insects and conservation topics
• Practices good safety control methods.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree with area of focus in Entomology, Biology, Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries or a related field.
• Coursework relevant to biology, entomology, insect taxonomy, statistics, cartographic sciences, spermatophyte taxonomy, forest measurements, and biogeography
• Intermediate to advanced experience with Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel, google forms.
• Comfortable speaking in a public and professional setting.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• General knowledge of insect taxonomy, identification and dissection with a particular emphasis on invasive species.
• Experience in operation of compound and dissecting microscopes along with laboratory procedure and safety.
• Experience working in a research collection.
• Excellent organization skills and dealing with large sets of data.
• Excellent computer skills such related to spreadsheets and word processing.
• Excellent interpersonal, communications, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines.
• Ability to innovate and work as a team member.
• Ability to anticipate barriers to project completion; plan and manage contingencies.
• Ability to write scientific articles and present scientific data
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Requires lifting of files, records, and insect drawers.
• Fieldwork requires ability to drive and includes exposure to the outdoors and associated unpredictable weather, animals, and human interactions
• 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 position.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
• Travel throughout Mississippi or the southeastern United States to various events and field sites may be necessary with some overnight stays required on occasion.
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:
July 12, 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.
