We're Hiring!

Position Function:

This is a 12-month, tenure-track position consisting of 100% Research (MAFES) appointment. The primary function of this position will be to manage the analytical seafood safety testing laboratory and to develop an externally competitive grant funded research program to advance the science and technology as related to the improvement of the utilization and safety of aquatic foods (including shellfish and other economically important marine species, catfish, etc.). The incumbent will provide programmatic leadership and research direction for other faculty and scientists working at ESPL, NGAFRC, and other MSU CREC facilities.

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:

Coastal Research and Extension Center serves as the coastal arm of Mississippi State University’s Extension and Agriculture Research Programs. This position is located at the Northern Gulf Aquatic Food Research Center (NGAFRC) in Ocean Springs with additional facility resources at the Experimental Seafood Processing Laboratory (ESPL) in Pascagoula, which are part of the Coastal Research and Extension Center (CREC) in Biloxi, MS. The position is administratively associated with CREC with an academic home in the Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion.

Area of Specialization:

Director of the Northern Gulf Aquatic Food Research Program- Aquatic Food Science

Anticipated Appointment Date:

September 2026. 

Tenure Track Status:

Yes. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties will include the development of an innovative research program to advance science and technology of catfish and other aquatic raw food materials during post-harvest processing and storage of food products.
The incumbent will manage an analytical aquatic foods safety testing laboratory in support of the seafood food industry, catfish industry and other applications by working in collaboration with both MSU and government partners. The incumbent will obtain external research grants from a variety of sources --including but not limited to NOAA, USDA, NSF, and NIH--to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program.
The incumbent will work closely with researchers at CREC and other units of Mississippi State University and actively seek productive collaborations with other scientists including those at USDA-Agriculture Research Service research laboratories and other universities in the region.
The incumbent will establish good relationships with the coastal aquatic industry, catfish industry, and stakeholders within the regional and Mississippi food industries to better understand and help solve the needs and challenges encountered by aquatic food processors.
The incumbent will maintain proper programmatic ties with their assigned home academic department which includes opportunities for supporting graduate student education. The incumbent is encouraged to serve on graduate student committees as chair or committee member.
The incumbent will oversee laboratory facilities that support both research activities and industry services, including but not limited to food safety testing.
The incumbent will publish scientific manuscripts in high-quality refereed journals and present findings in professional society meetings as deemed appropriate.
The incumbent will actively participate in professional societies/organizations as well as appropriate intramural service activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

An earned doctorate in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Food and Process Engineering, Food Microbiology, Food Toxicology or closely related field.

Excellent communication skills, and must be able to plan experiments, and analyze data using statistics.

Preferred Qualifications:

Extensive experience working in food science research or food products manufacturing research with an emphasis on aquatic foods. A strong record of publication in high-quality peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Research experience and grant-writing experience having resulted in funding by a federal agency.
Leadership ability to assemble and develop scientist and faculty teams to successfully fund research proposals resulting in high-quality research deliverables.
Experience in mentoring undergraduate or graduate students in conducting experiments in the laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The incumbent should be self-motivated, fit well in a multidisciplinary team environment, and exhibit excellent communication skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Job occasionally requires lifting containers holding 50 pounds of materials.

Instructions for Applying:

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

Apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, copy of college transcripts (any SSNs should be redacted), and contact information for a minimum of three references.


Departmental Contact Dr. James Henderson
Contact E-mail jeh149@msstate.edu

Screening Date:

August 16, 2026, until filled. 

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.