We're Hiring!

Position Function:

Under general supervision, employs a broad knowledge of engineering and technology principles, practices, and procedures in agricultural research to plan, coordinate, and conduct experiments. Provides oversite for the agricultural-autonomy lab at the Pace Seed Technology Building. The Research Associate, an externally funded professional, will report to the Director of the Agricultural Autonomy Institute and appropriate subordinates. This position is contingent on the availability of funding.

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:

The Agricultural Autonomy Institute (AAI) is a university-level research institute at Mississippi State University (MSU) administered under MSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED) and MSU’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine (DAFVM). AAI’s purpose is economic development in Mississippi focused on autonomous systems for agricultural production, postharvest processing, and research. AAI’s efforts under this purpose come under three pillars: research and intellectual-property development, workforce development, and corporate engagement. AAI’s research activities involve the conduct of fundamental and applied research, development, testing, evaluation, and demonstration of autonomous systems for agriculture. AAI’s workforce development activities involve educational programs at MSU and other Mississippi educational institutions as well as training and public outreach to promote adoption of autonomous agricultural technologies. AAI’s corporate engagement activities involve the building of relationships and cooperative research, education, and training with corporations in the field of autonomous agricultural technologies. All of these activities support MSU’s land-grant mission.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

January 1, 2027. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Plans, coordinates, and conducts agricultural research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard scientific techniques.
2. Applies an analytical approach to the solution of a wide variety of agricultural problems, and applies specialized techniques and ingenuity in selecting and evaluating approaches to unforeseen or novel problems.
3. Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of scientific methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation.
4. Designs, performs, and/or oversees experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
5. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs, as appropriate to the specific position; prepares manuscripts for publication; presents research results to scientific conferences and other groups.
6. Independently performs most research assignments with instructions as to the general results expected; receives guidance on unusual or complex problems.
7. Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
8. Provides oversite for the Autonomy Lab in the Pace Seed Technology Building.
9. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
10. May lead, guide, and train staff/student employees, and/or interns performing related work.
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
13. Completes training on responsible conduct of research protocol in first 2 months of employment as well as other required training.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering or closely related field.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license

Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Ability to write software code in Python
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Basic computer skills
- Farm experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Strong oral and written communication skills including organized email communication.
- Strong organizational skills including task prioritization and coordination.
- Basic computing skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent.
- Basic mathematics and data-analysis skills.
- Skills in operation of agricultural and other equipment such as tractors, harvesting equipment, and forklifts.
- Knowledge of basic agricultural practices and common agricultural products. Knowledge of and experience in agricultural applications and associated best practices, equipment, and safety strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of relevant EPA regulations governing aerial applications of agricultural products.
- Ability to obtain MDAC BPI Aerial Applicator’s License and/or Aerial Pilot’s License as needed for future UAAS operations.
- Knowledge and operational experience with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) is welcome and beneficial but less critical to this position than first-hand knowledge and operational experience with UAAS weighing over 55 lbs.
- Ability to safely handle, transport, mix, apply, store, and properly dispose of agricultural products.
- Ability to read and explicitly follow EPA agricultural product labels.
- Knowledge and skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly for agricultural datasets. ESRI ArcGIS Pro experience preferred.
- Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) as needed for future operations.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop collaborative relationships with industry partners, commercial growers, agricultural professionals, and academic researchers with a wide variety of agricultural expertise.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to safely work for multiple consecutive full-length working days outdoors in remote agricultural environments.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Frequent, year-round outdoor activities for all manner of field work including, but not limited to, agricultural scouting, flight operations, and data collection. Frequent deadlines and urgent priorities subject to change and difficult to anticipate due to weather impacts on agricultural practices. Job requires safe, responsible handling of agricultural products consistent with university policy and all Federal and State regulations. Job requires frequent lifting up to 50 lbs.

Instructions for Applying:

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

All applicants must apply online at http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume, or curriculum vitae and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.

Screening Date:

October 12, 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.