Position Function:
The Forest and Wildlife Research Center/College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University seeks to fill a 12-month, non-tenure track, full-time, time-limited appointment for an individual with research responsibilities in the area of wood science and technology with emphasis on the production of biofuels and bio-based chemicals from biomass.
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:
One of three departments in the College of Forest Resources, the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts activities include undergraduate/graduate instructions, research and service programs in natural resources.
Area of Specialization:
Biofuels and bio-based chemicals
Anticipated Appointment Date:
July 1, 2024.
Tenure Track Status:
No.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Incumbent will participate in targeted independent and extramurally funded research in the area of catalytic conversion of biomass-derived carbohydrates to green fuels and chemicals using a novel cost-effective nano-catalysts evaluation or some combination thereof. Based on funding availability, candidate may will be expected to research new methods and develop new catalysts for preparation of biofuels and bio-based chemicals. Composing extramural research proposals for funding, drafting research papers, and delivering presentations at scientific conferences are required. Incumbent will be expected to contribute to departmental research, teaching, and service program. Incumbent will work with cooperators, other universities, and federal laboratories in the region and the nation to assist in researching and developing basic and applied technology. Incumbent will be expected to build a nationally recognized and extramurally funded research program. Active and collegial collaborations within the department, college, and university as well as with external stakeholders such as industry, other universities, government and nongovernmental organizations, etc. are expected. Written reporting, web-based communication, and domestic travel will be required. Mentoring and training graduate students is expected.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher learning in Wood Science/Forest Products/Sustainable Bioproducts, forestry, or an allied field.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
No.
Preferred Qualifications:
Industrial/commercial experience in wood chemistry, forest products/wood technology, testing and evaluation, wood protection, durability, production, manufacturing, standards, grant writing, manuscript writing and publication, national or international professional experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Incumbent should be adept with operating high pressure reactors and chemical analytical instruments such as GC/MS, HPLC, TGA, FTIR, surface area and elemental analysis. Knowledgeable of computer applications such as MS Office, various statistical software packages, and others related to research, creation, and dissemination of scholarly outputs. Incumbent must be highly self-directed and willing to arrange, travel, and meet with other professionals in the U.S. at federal laboratory facilities, and other universities.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Physical requirements will be consistent with those associated with the incumbent's research program. It is anticipated that this may include chemical laboratory leadership, office work, and domestic travel. May require lifting up to approximately 40 pounds on an intermittent basis.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by attaching the following as a PDF: cover letter, research plan, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts of all degrees, and the complete contact information for at least two professionals who can provide letters of reference. Applicant should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online. Incomplete applications will be ineligible. Screening of applications will begin April 15, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. MS Teams/Skype/video conference Interviews may be requested. Anticipated hire date is July 1, 2024.
NOTE: Official transcripts of all degrees will be required upon employment.
Screening Date:
April 15, 2024, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
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.
