Position Function:
The Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection (www.agscipp.msstate.edu) at Mississippi State University seeks to fill a tenure-track, assistant professor position in entomology based at the main campus in Starkville. This position will consist of 60% research and 40% teaching.
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:
The Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection has academic, research, and extension education missions within the traditions of land-grant universities. The Department has 26 faculty in the entomology and plant pathology disciplines. The Department offers B.S, M.S., and Ph.D. degrees and currently advises approximately 100 undergraduate and 30 graduate students.
Area of Specialization:
Entomology (Insect Ecology)
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2025.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized, and extramurally funded research program that uses innovative approaches to address basic and applied research topics that synergize with existing departmental strengths. Research areas of particular interest include but are not limited to ecological interactions involving terrestrial or aquatic arthropods, arthropod chemical ecology, microbiome contributions to insect health and behavior, and arthropod vector-pathogen interactions. Collaboration with other researchers and Extension Service colleagues both on and off campus is expected. The successful applicant will have a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education, teaching foundation courses in entomology, as well as advanced courses relevant to their areas of expertise, and serving on graduate student committees. The successful candidate is expected to be an interactive member of the faculty, as well as contribute to relevant scientific and professional societies.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in entomology or a related field is required with demonstrated scholarly productivity, and excellence in written and oral communication. ABD candidates will be considered. Candidates with teaching experience, evidence of multidisciplinary collaborations, experience integrating basic and applied research, a record of leadership and service, and the ability to secure extramural funding will be given priority.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants MUST apply online at explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a letter of interest, a statement of their philosophy of research and teaching, a current curriculum vitae, transcripts of all college and university work, and the names and complete contact information of three professional references. Inquires can be emailed to Dr. John Riggins, Search Committee Chair (jriggins@entomology.msstate.edu) or Swayze Hollenhead, Administrative Assistant (sh1270@msstate.edu). A review of applications will begin January 1, 2025; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please note that any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online and that official transcripts will be requested of finalists.
Screening Date:
January 1, 2025, until filled.
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.
