Position Function:
Research Associate is a full-time, regular position located at the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research (NCAAR) within Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville, MS. The function of this position is to assist in planning, coordinating, and conducting research under general supervision. The individual must be able to work cooperatively with other team members and collaborators. The research involves extensive field, greenhouse, and laboratory work in multiple crops including corn, soybean, rice, peanuts, grain sorghum, and wheat.
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 will be located at the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research within the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
March 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Organize and conduct field operations such as land preparation, planting, fertilizing, spraying, inoculating, harvesting, plot maintenance, inventory and maintenance of equipment and supplies, equipment repair, and general cleanup of equipment and facilities or as assigned by supervisor.
2. Designs, performs, and/or oversees experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
3. Collecting and processing research samples (such as plant tissue, soil, water samples) for laboratory analyses.
4. Individual will be responsible for maintaining accurate and timely records related to farm and research operations, data entry into the excel spreadsheets and subsequent data analysis.
5. Prepare summary reports of research results, refereed manuscript, and present research results to various groups, including scientific meetings.
6. Ordering field and laboratory supplies needed for research projects and maintaining an inventory of supplies and equipment.
7. Supervise, guide and train staff/student workers, interns, and volunteers performing related work.
8. Other duties necessary for conducting research as determined by the supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications:
B.S. Degree in Plant and Soil Science or related area of Plant and/or Soil Science.
The individual must have a valid driver's license.
Training in EPA Worker Protection Standards is required.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge and experience with agricultural practices followed by farmers in the Mississippi Delta. Experience in small plot research with multiple crops is desirable. Capable of carrying out assigned research duties following supervisor’s instructions. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment. Experience supervising part time employees. Experience with water sampling, processing, and analysis. Also, the individual must have experience operating field equipment used in small plot research including precision planters and small plot combine.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
2. Ability to follow research methodology and protocol.
3. Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
4. Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.
5. Ability to organize and coordinate scientific research projects.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
2. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing or pulling required of objects up to 50 lbs.
3. Will operate and work in close proximity to heavy farm equipment.
4. Frequent contact with herbicides and pesticides. Candidate must have no known allergic reactions to any plant substances, dust, or farm chemicals.
5. The ability to work after normal work hours during peak seasons will be required.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please submit resume, cover letter/letter of application and a list of 3 professional references with name and contact number. For additional information contact Dr. Steve Martin, Delta Research and Extension Center PO Box 197, Stoneville, MS 38776 or steve.martin@msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
January 29, 2026, until filled.
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.
