Position Function:
Under general supervision, employs a broad knowledge of engineering-and-technology principles, practices, and procedures in agricultural-autonomy research to plan, coordinate, and conduct experiments. Provides over site for the agricultural-autonomy lab at the Pace Seed Technology Building. Supports instruction in the Agricultural Engineering Technology and Business curriculum in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. This is a full-time position. The Research Associate, an externally funded professional, will report to the Department Head of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. 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 Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering has 22 on-campus faculty and several adjunct/affiliate faculty off-campus within research centers and government agencies, engaged in teaching, research, and extension. The department is co-administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Bagley College of Engineering and offers undergraduate (B.S.) and graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) degrees in three distinct program areas: Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Agricultural Engineering Technology and Business. Within these programs, the department has over 500 undergraduates and over 30 graduate students. The J. Charles Lee Agricultural and Biological Engineering Building, includes more than 6,000 square feet of state-of-the-art instructional and research facilities and includes separate labs for sterile tissue culture, biomechanical testing, environmental and agricultural simulation or modeling studies, electronic/robotic design fabrication and testing, fiber processing, GPS/GIS, renewable bio-energy, and student computing resources. More information about the department can be found at http://www.abe.msstate.edu/.
Area of Specialization:
Agricultural Engineering Technology and Business plications, remote sensing, hyperspectral imaging, and geographic information systems
Anticipated Appointment Date:
September 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Plans, coordinates, and conducts agricultural-autonomy 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-autonomy 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, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of operation.
11. Supports instruction in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
13. Completes training on responsible conduct of research protocol in first 2 months of employment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology program.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in instructional support and development of college course materials.
2 years of experience in agricultural research.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of the scientific approach and methodologies.
2. Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol.
3. Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
4. Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.
5. Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.
6. Ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific research projects.
7. Ability to create and deliver course materials at the undergraduate level.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work environment could involve some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions. Details specific to the position will be discussed during the interview process.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
To apply, complete application online, attach cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts with SSN redacted, and two letters of reference
Screening Date:
September 20, 204, 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.
