Position Function:
The primary function of this position is laboratory operations. This includes but it not limited to operating and maintaining sensitive equipment such as universal testing machines, wood shop equipment, machine shop equipment, environmental conditioning chambers, hot presses, computer-controlled machinery and equipment, etc. The position candidate must have the skill and initiative to safely operate equipment, maintain as necessary, train others, work together with other team members, and troubleshoot problems. Candidate must operate stationary woodshop and production equipment including but not limited to cold presses, hot presses, table saw, jointer, planer, sander, radial arm saw, sawmill. Additional functions include working with safety committee to ensure and improve safe operations throughout the departmental complex, supporting faculty researchers with their wood specimen production needs, assisting administration with general operations, and providing internal assistance with technology and electrical scientific instruments and devices.
Salary Grade: 11
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:
One of three departments in the College of Forest Resources, the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts activities include undergraduate/graduate instructions, research and service programs in natural resources.
Area of Specialization:
Laboratory Operations
Anticipated Appointment Date:
June 16, 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Operate and maintain electric and hydraulically actuated universal testing machine frames
Operate and maintain environmental humidity chambers
Operate and maintain woodworking equipment
Operate and maintain hot and cold presses for producing wood and biobased composites
Assist with machine shop operations.
Machine wood specimens as needed.
Work with outside contractors such as deionized water and boiler chemical providers.
Provide support for researchers, administration, and other staff as required.
Improve safety throughout the departmental complex
Safely and efficiently operate forklift and golf carts.
Travel intermittently in support of research objectives
Minimum Qualifications:
Two years of post-secondary training in a curriculum appropriate for the field of assignment and two years of field and lab work experience including experimentation and research studies or closely related work experience.
-or-
High school education or GED, plus four years of field and/or lab work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Basic college or vocational course work in wood products, forestry, computer technology, quality assurance, and statistics. Mechanical inclination.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must have the ability and responsibility to carry out and assist with cutting, planing, jointing, and otherwise preparing wood specimens for scientific endeavor. Must be able to prioritize scheduling, deal with frequent interruptions, and perform emergency consultation during the course of research. Must be able to supervise student workers and provide training where necessary.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Job routinely requires standing, walking, sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling/crouching/crawling, talking, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Receives supervision from Department Head and or designated faculty or staff member as assigned. No formal supervisory responsibility. Must have ability and responsibility to carry out and assist with tasks as assigned with limited direction. Must be able to prioritize scheduling, deal with frequent interruptions, and perform emergency consultation, during the course of research.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online by attaching the following as a PDF: cover letter, resume, copies of transcripts of all degrees, if applicable, and the complete contact information for at least two professionals who can provide letters of reference. Applicant should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online. Incomplete applications will be ineligible.
Screening of applications will begin May 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Skype/video conference interviews may be requested.
NOTE: Official transcripts of all degrees will be required upon employment.
Screening Date:
May 1, 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.
