We're Hiring!

Position Function:

This is a 12-month, 100% research appointment with Mississippi State University at the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center (TCNWAC) within the Delta Research and Extension Center (DREC). The faculty member’s home department will be in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture.

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:

This position will be located at the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center within the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, Mississippi.

Area of Specialization:

Fish Nutrition

Anticipated Appointment Date:

October 2026. 

Tenure Track Status:

N/A. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will develop, coordinate, and implement an innovative research program in fish nutrition with a focus on catfish aquaculture. This will include evaluating and optimizing cost-effective feeds using traditional and alternative ingredients and nutrient supplements, and developing feeding strategies that balance scientific merit with the practical needs of producers in Mississippi and the broader southeastern United States.
The selected candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team at TCNWAC, collaborating on efforts to strengthen catfish production. They are expected to foster and maintain close working relationships with farmers, feed mills, processing plants, other stakeholders, and related government, private and university organizations such as the USDA-ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit (WARU), Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES), the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and MSU extension services. These interactions ensure that the nutrition research program addresses the catfish industry's most pressing needs.
The selected candidate should have knowledge and experience in fish nutrient requirements, feed formulation, feeding practices, and aquaculture production, along with a strong record of research, extramural grant writing, and publication. In keeping with the team approach, the selected candidate will partner with other MSU and USDA-ARS scientists at TCNWAC to pursue research projects and submit grant and contract proposals to support research efforts. They should have a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate research findings and troubleshoot problems with industry and extension personnel. This applied research position will require transfer of information and technologies to stakeholders, publication in appropriate journals, and presentations at local, statewide, regional, and national meetings. The selected candidate is expected to participate in graduate student training in off-campus and campus programs, to be active in professional societies, and to contribute to relevant DREC and MSU committees.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A PhD in fish nutrition or a closely related field from an accredited institution
• Demonstrated knowledge of fish nutrient requirements, feed formulation, feeding practices, and aquaculture production
• Record of peer-reviewed publication
• Experience in grant writing and pursuit of extramural funding
• Strong verbal and written scientific communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Yes. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct research experience with catfish or other warmwater aquaculture species
• Experience evaluating alternative or novel feed ingredients and nutrient supplements
• Experience working with aquaculture producers or extension personnel
• Experience mentoring or co-advising graduate students
• Experience collaborating with commercial feed manufacturers to formulate practical, cost-effective diets based on commodity pricing, ingredient availability, and production constraints.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent organizational and leadership skills are also important.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Applications must be submitted online at https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and should include the following documents:
1) Cover letter – up to 2 pages
2) Curriculum vitae
3) Research statement – up to 2 pages
4) Contact information for three professional references
5) Transcripts - unofficial or official are acceptable with social security number redacted

Please send a duplicate package of the above material to the search chair Dr. Taylor Heckman at: tih33@msstate.edu. Any questions regarding the position should be directed to the chair.

Screening Date:

September 8, 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.