Position Function:
Research Associate is a full-time, regular position at the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research within Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville, MS. The Research Associate’s responsibility is to support research activities in agronomy, soil science, crop production, and water management in various cropping systems, such as corn, soybean, rice, cotton, and canola. The research involves extensive field, greenhouse and laboratory work. The individual must be able to assume responsibility, carry out directed research, work independently as well as cooperatively with other team members and collaborators. Interest, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude for carrying out goals of the supervisor’s research program are essential.
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:
This position is located at the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research within the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS.
https://www.ncaar.msstate.edu/
Area of Specialization:
Agronomy, Soil Science
Anticipated Appointment Date:
February 1, 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Establish and maintain experimental research studies for both on-station and off-station locations with minimal supervision.
2. Work closely with the farm management team to ensure timely field operations and treatment application.
3. Organize and assist in field and greenhouse operations, such as land or soil preparation, planting, fertilizing, spraying, inoculating, irrigating, harvesting, and plot maintenance.
4. Perform field and greenhouse routines, such as installing and maintaining various sensors, sensor data collection, field/greenhouse measurements, plant/soil/water/greenhouse gas sample collection and processing for laboratory analyses.
5. Perform routine laboratory analyses, such as soil nutrients, grain quality, water quality, greenhouse gas concentrations, etc.
6. Maintaining accurate and timely records of field operations, treatment applications, sample collection, and laboratory analyses.
7. Ordering field and laboratory supplies needed for research projects and maintaining an inventory of supplies and equipment.
8. May supervise, guide, and train staff/student workers, interns, and volunteers as needed.
9. Other duties necessary for conducting research as determined by the supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree Agronomy, Plant and/or Soil Science, Engineering or related discipline.
Individual must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and be ready to travel within the Mississippi Delta for research activities.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.
Preferred Qualifications:
Graduate degree in Agronomy, Plant and/or Soil Science, Engineering, or related field. The associate should possess a strong background in agronomy or another crop/soil/water discipline through research, employment, coursework, and/or internships. The ability to carry out assigned research duties following the supervisor’s instructions is essential. Experience with laboratory work is highly desirable. The ability and creativity to fabricate custom equipment is an asset. Experience in operation of farm machinery and sensor technology is beneficial, as is knowledge of crop production practices and small plot research with multiple crops.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
2. Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol.
3. Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
4. Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.
5. Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.
6. Ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific research projects.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work environment could involve some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions. Physical strength and endurance are needed to perform strenuous outdoor work under field conditions. The individual must expect and tolerate various weather conditions, occasional overtime work and work outside of normal business hours, exposure to environmental and farm allergens, handling of hazardous chemicals (appropriate PPE provided).
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applications must apply online at https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach 1) a cover letter addressing the aforementioned qualifications, 2) a current resume or curriculum vitae, 3) current unofficial transcript(s) with SSN redacted, and 4) a list containing the names and current contact information of three professional references.
For more information contact: Dr. Andrea Simpson
662-390-8503
andrea.simpson@msstate.edu
Screening Date:
December 29, 2024 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.
