Position Function:
Plans, executes, facilitates and promotes advanced scientific research projects in Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center. Incorporates innovation and develops advances in research concepts, methodologies and approaches as needed. Designs, develops and tests new equipment, instruments, reagents, and/or experimental protocols for research (including hardware, software, statistical methods, etc.). Collaborates with researchers as appropriate. Participates in the preparation and writing of grant/contract applications and reports and may serve as coauthor of scientific research manuscripts. May supervise other research staff.
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.
Area of Specialization:
Laminitis Research Center
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Perform molecular and biochemical techniques, including DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and histology, with accuracy and consistency.
2. Maintain cell and tissue cultures under aseptic conditions, preparing media, monitoring cell lines, and ensuring contamination-free environments.
3. Prepare biological samples for analysis by fixing, embedding, sectioning, and staining tissues for histologic and microscopic evaluation.
4. Execute quantitative assays and record data accurately to ensure reproducibility and compliance with standard operating procedures.
5. Apply principles of molecular biology to prepare reagents, optimize protocols, and troubleshoot technical issues as they arise.
6. Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail in experimental procedures, data collection, labeling, and electronic record management.
7. Ensure compliance with laboratory accreditation standards and implement Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures to support a culture of safety and regulatory readiness.
8. Operate laboratory instrumentation, including analyzers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, microscopes, and thermal cyclers, ensuring proper calibration and maintenance.
9. Organize work efficiently, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines within a fast-paced research environment.
10. Collaborate effectively with faculty, researchers, students, and technical staff to achieve project and laboratory goals.
11. Utilize Microsoft Office applications and other digital tools to analyze data, prepare reports, and communicate results.
12. Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations to manage supply ordering, inventory control, equipment upkeep, and coordination with vendors and service providers, and contribute to continuous improvement by implementing internal audits and lab reviews.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position may supervise other research staff.
Minimum Qualifications:
Grade and salary will be commensurate with individual’s background, education and experience.
Beginning with a bachelor’s degree:
A professional employee with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Laboratory Science, Data Science or related field, and demonstrated competence can begin at the Research Associate I level.
To begin at the Research Associate II level, one must have a bachelor's degree in the required discipline and a minimum of three years relevant experience and the equivalent of a master's degree.
To begin at the Research Associate III level, one must have a bachelor’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of six years relevant experience and the equivalent of the master's degree.
Beginning with a master’s degree:
A professional employee with a master’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Laboratory Science, Data Science or related field, one year of relevant experience and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate II level.
To begin at the Research Associate III level, one must have a master’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of three years relevant experience and the equivalent of a master’s degree.
To begin at the Senior Research Associate level, one must have a master’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of six years relevant experience.
Beginning with a doctoral degree:
A professional employee with a doctoral degree in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Laboratory Science, Data Science or related field with two years of relevant experience and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate III level.
To begin at the Senior Research Associate level, one must have a doctoral degree in the required discipline and a minimum of three years relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Proficient with data analysis tools
2. Experience preparing scientific datasets and documentation for accession into long term data archives
3. Experience in creating/editing standards-based metadata
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Has established scientific expertise; knows and effectively uses the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures that field of specialization.
2. Ability to organize, interpret data, and derive study conclusions
3. Ability to advance state-of-the-art scientific research in field of specialization.
4. Ability to apply extensive and advanced principles, theories, and concepts.
5. Ability to contribute to the development of solutions to complex problems that require innovation and ingenuity. Project management skills
6. Excellent communication and presentation skills
7. Able to write reports at the college level and verbally communicate to a wide variety of audiences, including program leadership and the scientific community.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Occasional and/or light lifting required up to 10 pounds. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, etc.; none to the degree of being disagreeable. Frequent standing, walking, climbing or balancing required. Routine deadlines, variance in work volume predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressure from persons other than immediate supervisor.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, ability to distinguish colors.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please include a cover letter and resume along with names and addresses of at least three references.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
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.
