Position Function:
This position will mainly support the Mississippi Entomological Museum Invasive Insect Program by screening and sorting invasive insect trap samples, assisting with and supporting national invasive insect pest survey programs, speaking to the public about invasive insects, entomology, ecology, and conservation topics, and supporting stakeholders and collaborators who submit samples for identification. This position will also include supervising student workers, working with lab technicians and other departmental researchers, purchasing field and lab supplies, preparing reports, submitting scientific writing for publications, and employing basic research strategies for projects. Assistance with additional Mississippi Entomological Museum Field and Research Team projects may be required as part of the job, based on current annual funding to support the position.
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:
Invasive insect trap screening and identification, and database management in an Entomological Museum setting and fast paced lab setting.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
April 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
● Sort insect trap samples for target taxa, identify non-native species, and compile information into data sheets.
● Collect insect trap samples from across Mississippi for various entomological surveys.
● Prepares insect specimens for research/museum storage.
● Maintain a high degree of organization as it pertains to categorizing specimens and inputting their data into entomological databases.
● May assist the Entomological Museum and student workers with occasional fieldwork when short handed or when a research project needs support.
● Work with a large team of student workers and lab techs to expedite workflow of samples.
● Speak to the public about insects and conservation topics.
● Speak to and train stakeholders on the process used for sample shipping and intake, including use of ARCGIS software and programs.
● Practice good laboratory and safety control methods.
● Perform 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.
● Relevant Experience (yrs.): 2 years plus the education listed above
● Coursework relevant to biology, entomology, insect taxonomy, statistics, cartographic sciences, spermatophyte taxonomy, forest measurements, ecology, environmental sciences, and biogeography.
● Advanced experience with Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel, Google forms.
● Intermediate to advanced experience with ARCGIS, Field Maps, and Survey 123 Software.
● Comfortable speaking in a public and professional setting.
● Experience with leadership, mentoring, and providing direction and instructions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
● General knowledge of insect taxonomy, identification, and dissection with a particular emphasis on invasive species, coleoptera, or lepidoptera.
● Experience in operation of compound and dissecting microscopes along with laboratory procedure and safety.
● Excellent organization skills and experience dealing with large sets of data.
● Excellent computer skills such as 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.
● Ability to work within a dynamic workgroup and team.
● Ability to lead and mentor students.
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 weeks, due to weather and access to field sites, and potential for increased sample loads based on sudden needs of cooperators (pest introductions, overflow of samples in other regions, etc…); meeting of deadlines and coordination of lab activities are key to position.
● Job frequently requires walking, driving, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands.
● Travel throughout Mississippi, and to other regional states, for outreach events, meetings, training, and field work 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:
April 3, 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 (ADA), 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.
