Position Function:
The Environmental Plant Physiology Laboratory (www.spar.msstate.edu/) in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, seeks candidates for a two-year postdoctoral research associate position on crop stress physiology focusing on abiotic stress of major crops.
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:
Mississippi State University is Mississippi's senior comprehensive land-grant institution and has the largest on-campus enrollment (>22,000) of the eight state institutions of higher learning. All components of the university have a strong commitment to teaching, research, and service. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences has 31 on- and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, and extension and/or service programs, most of who carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and trained support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems, with Master's or Doctoral graduate students concentrating in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science.
Area of Specialization:
Crop stress physiology focusing on abiotic stress of major crops
Anticipated Appointment Date:
January 1, 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will lead a project investigating the multiple abiotic stresses (temperature, drought, UV-B radiation and nutrients, and elevated carbon dioxide) on a crop such as cotton, corn, rice, and soybean. Develop proxies for stress tolerance to meet research needs in collaboration with scientists at the USDA-ARS Crop Production Systems Research Unit, Stoneville, MS. Specific duties of this position will include investigating stress factor effects on whole plant physiology, including phenomics and integrating phenomics with molecular and cell physiology. The candidate will collect and analyze basic crop physiology work using our state-of-the-art sunlit plant growth chambers. The selected candidate will work with field and lab technicians, and graduate and undergraduate students and act as a liaison with state and federal agencies, farmers, and other stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in plant physiology, agronomy, botany, or a related field emphasizing plant physiology from genes to whole plants. The successful candidate must have completed a Ph.D. within the last two years and have impactful refereed journal publications and review articles in the specified field.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated capabilities in abiotic stress physiology including phenomics, gas exchange, and pollen vitalities or reproductive biology; training and interest in scientific field equipment and instruments; ability to work independently and as part of a team; excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse stakeholders; strong statistical skills and demonstrated proficiency with statistical programs; and a strong publication record (minimum of 5 recent publications in quality journals) are preferred qualifications.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
May require heavy lifting and exposure to extreme heat or cold.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu and include:
(1) cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, (2) current resume, and (3) unofficial copies (with social security numbers redacted) of MS and Ph.D. transcripts.
Screening for this position will begin October 20, 2023, and remain open until filled.
For additional information please contact Dr. K. Raja Reddy (krreddy@pss.msstate.edu).
Screening Date:
October 20, 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.
