Position Function:
The Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute is seeking to hire a full-time Research Associate to manage water-centric research in agricultural production systems.
Salary Grade: 13
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Department Profile:
Located on the campus of Mississippi State University, the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute administers and coordinates research and outreach programs dealing with water and related resources. It is one of the state institutes authorized by Section 104 of The Water Resources Research Act of 1984. Its activities are developed in close consultation and collaboration between the Institute and leading water resources officials within the state.
The program's purpose is to provide a coordinated research and development program that contributes to the solution of water and water-related land use problems in Mississippi, the region, and the nation.
Area of Specialization:
Agronomy, Irrigation, Rice, Agricultural Water Management
Anticipated Appointment Date:
May 2024
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate interested in investigating how rice production systems can be manipulated to use groundwater resources more efficiently. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing multiple aspects of a multi-state, on-farm project. These responsibilities include 1) setting up demonstration and evaluation locations in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri, 2) maintaining agronomic, water management, or other research materials at those locations, 3) coordinating research efforts and supervising personnel in the execution of those duties, 4) sampling, queuing and analyzing data, and 5) other responsibilities as assigned. The successful applicant will give routine reports to the project team as well as implement directions from the project team; therefore, excellent communication, supervisory, and management skills are imperative.
The successful applicant will be a part of a water-centric, row crop agriculture group. Consequently, the candidate will have obligations in addition to the above that will include various levels of accountability for projects ranging in scale from small-plot to on-farm. Thus, this person is expected to be able to work autonomously and in a team.
Travel to research locations, conferences, or other meetings will be required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural discipline.
Preferred Qualifications:
Additional Desirable Qualifications:
1. Able to operate and maintain various farm equipment.
2. Experience on a production agriculture farm.
3. Experience in agricultural research, including knowledge of experimental design, plot layout, and agronomic principles.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The successful candidate is expected to have significant knowledge of scientific and research methodologies, particularly as it relates to agricultural research at various scales. The candidate must be able to develop and employ experimental protocols and procedures. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required to discharge the duties of this position. Additionally, the candidate should be organized and possess good planning skills.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Qualified persons must apply online to receive consideration. The application package must include 1) a letter of application to highlight qualifications and relevant experience, 2) a resume, and 3) names and contact information for three professional references.
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.
