Position Function:
The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University seeks a postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in nutrient management and physiology in row crops. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a keen interest in integrating classical stress physiology with remote sensing techniques to effectively address and minimize yield gaps in row crops grown under stressful environmental conditions. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to advancing management and stress physiology research, focusing on enhancing crop productivity in challenging environments (nutrients, extreme temperatures, and water). The postdoc is expected to research harnessing interdisciplinary methods to improve grain crop resilience under different Mississippi production conditions. The successful applicant will design and coordinate experiments using growth chambers, greenhouses, and field facilities. The candidate must have advanced agronomy, physiology, and sound statistical skills to analyze large datasets. The selected applicant is expected to experiment with other multi-disciplinary team members.
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:
Plant and Soil Sciences is a comprehensive department with 32 on – and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, extension and/or service programs, most of whom carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by 32 support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in agronomy, horticulture and environmental science in agricultural systems, and has approximately 116 undergraduate students in agronomy; 36 in horticulture; and 11 in environmental science in agricultural systems. The department offers master's and doctoral programs, with 57 students currently majoring in either agronomy, horticulture, or weed science. The teaching, research, extension and service programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment and trained personnel. The department holds two endowed chairs and faculty are nationally prominent, with 4 Fellows in national/international societies. Agronomic and horticultural industries are significant contributors to Mississippi’s agricultural economy (combined value of $8.75 billion with 13 million acres under management). The department is committed to enhancing its statewide, national and international reputation for excellence. More information about the department can be found at http://www.pss.msstate.edu/.
Area of Specialization:
Nutrient Management and Physiology
Anticipated Appointment Date:
Tenure Track Status:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Design and conduct nutrient physiology experiments using various phenotyping facilities.
2) The postdoc is expected to work in the growth chamber, greenhouse, and field conditions.
3) Develop proxies for combined stress tolerance to meet research needs in collaboration with other scientists.
4) Maintain smooth conduct of experiment(s) by troubleshooting and fostering a productive teamwork environment.
5) Actively contribute to preparing reports, presentations, and draft manuscripts for publications.
6) Participate in developing research proposals, including reviewing related literature.
7) Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
1) Ph.D. in agronomy, plant sciences/ physiology, or a related field.
2) At least five publications related to nutrient management and stress physiology.
3) A strong field crops research background and familiarity with remote sensing are preferred.
4) Experience with the field and greenhouse work is beneficial.
5) Excellent written and oral communication skills.
6) Experience with advanced statistical design and data analysis in R or any statistical software for data processing, visualization, and interpretation.
Preferred Qualifications:
1) Experience in connecting agronomy, physiology, and remote sensing.
2) Experience with reviewing the literature to identify knowledge gaps.
3) Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team or collaborative environment.
4) Demonstrated leadership or interpersonal skills are essential.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1) Have a strong background in nutrient physiology, sensor-based phenotyping, and row crops.
2) Proven high impact publication record and experience supervising or overseeing the research work.
3) Ability to balance quality and productivity.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
May require heavy lifting and exposure to extreme heat or cold.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Upload a cover letter, current resume, and list of three professional references.
Screening Date:
August 8, 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.
